QA: N/A 
Yucca Mountain Project Site Environmental Report for the Yucca Mountain Project Calendar Year 2003 PGM-MGR-EC-000005 REV 00 
October 2004 

U.S. Department of Energy 
Office of Civilian Radioactive Waste Management 
Office of Repository Development 
Las Vegas, Nevada Site Environmental Report for the 
Yucca Mountain Project 
Calendar Year 2003 


PGM-MGR-EC-000005 
REV 00 

October 2004 

U.S. Department of Energy 
Office of Civilian Radioactive Waste Management 
Office of Repository Development 
Las Vegas, Nevada 


PREFACE 
As an operating unit of the U.S. Department of Energy, it is the policy and practice of the Office 
of Repository Development to conduct its operations in a safe and environmentally sound 
manner. DOE Policy 450.4 requires the Department to systematically integrate safety into 
management and work practices so that missions are accomplished while protecting the public, 
the worker, and the environment. The Department has made it clear that protection of the public, 
the worker, and the environment is of paramount importance. 
In accordance with DOE Order 231.1A and DOE Manual 231.1-1, the status of the Yucca 
Mountain Projects 2003 environmental program is summarized in this annual site environmental 
report. 

__________________________________________ ____________ 
W. John Arthur III Date 
Deputy Director 
Office of Repository Development 



EXECUTIVE SUMMARY 
This site environmental report describes the environmental program conducted during 2003 by 
the U.S. Department of Energy, Office of Repository Development. The report describes the 
environmental laws and regulations that were applicable to the Yucca Mountain Project in 2003, 
the actions taken to comply with those laws and regulations, and the Projects environmental 
program. The report also summarizes the data collected to monitor potential impacts of the 
Project on the environment. 
Mission and 2003 Accomplishments 
In 1982, Congress enacted the Nuclear Waste Policy Act. The act specified that spent nuclear 
fuel from commercial nuclear reactors and high-level radioactive waste from national defense 
activities will be disposed of underground in deep geologic repositories. In 1987, the act was 
amended by designating Yucca Mountain, Nevada, as the single candidate site for a repository. 
The amended act directed the U.S. Department of Energy to characterize Yucca Mountain as a 
potential geologic repository, and to make a recommendation to the Secretary of Energy as to its 
suitability to safely isolate these wastes. On February 14, 2002, the Secretary of Energy 
submitted a comprehensive statement to the President recommending Yucca Mountain as the site 
for a geologic repository. This recommendation was made after more than two decades of 
scientific investigations by the U.S. Department of Energy to determine the suitability of Yucca 
Mountain to isolate spent nuclear fuel and high-level radioactive waste. The President approved 
the Secretarys recommendation on February 15, 2002, and forwarded it to Congress. On 
July 23, 2002, the President signed into law a Congressional Joint Resolution designating Yucca 
Mountain as the site for the nations first geologic repository per Section 115(c) of the Nuclear 
Waste Policy Act, as amended. 
During 2003, the Department continued to prepare a license application that will be submitted to 
the U.S. Nuclear Regulatory Commission to construct and ultimately operate a geologic 
repository at Yucca Mountain, Nevada. The license application is expected to be submitted in 
December 2004. Upon submittal, the Commission will have three years to review the 
application, conduct its licensing proceedings, and reach a decision on a construction 
authorization. Should the Commission grant the construction authorization, the Department will 
update the license application and request a license to receive and possess high-level radioactive 
waste as initial construction of the repository nears completion. If the Commission grants the 
license to receive and possess, the Department will begin placing waste into the repository. In 
the final phase of licensing, when the repository has stopped receiving waste for disposal, the 
Department will apply for a license amendment to decommission and permanently close the 
repository. 
Throughout 2003, the Office of Repository Development continued to conduct field and 
laboratory tests and studies to further refine the understanding of how a repository at Yucca 
Mountain would perform far into the future. Some of these efforts may continue indefinitely or 
until the repository is permanently closed. Repository design and operating decisions could be 
modified based on the results of these tests and studies, as well as other technological and policy 
developments. This ongoing learning process is designed to challenge current models and 
assumptions and lead to continuous improvement. Environmental Compliance During 2003, the Yucca Mountain Project had no violations of 
environmental permits or noncompliance actions; no reportable occurrences that required 
notification of a regulatory agency; and no notices of violations, deficiencies, announcements of 
intent to sue for noncompliance with environmental regulations, or other types of enforcement 
actions. The following actions were taken during 2003 to maintain environmental permits and 
comply with environmental regulations: 
 The Project began preparing an 'Environmental Report' that will supplement the Final 
Environmental Impact Statement on the repository. The report will be submitted to the 
Nuclear Regulatory Commission in 2005 or 2006. 
 Several actions were taken to further implement the requirements in Executive 
Order 13148 (65 FR 24595) and DOE Order 450.1 for an Environmental Management 
System. 
 The Stormwater Pollution Prevention Plan was revised in late 2002 and early 2003 and 
became effective in March 2003. The Plan was revised to meet the requirements of the 
stormwater general permit that was received in 2002. 
 The U.S. Department of Energy and the State of Nevada entered into joint agreements in 
2002 and 2003 to allow the U.S. Department of Energy to pump specified amounts of 
water per year for potable and non-potable purposes, including dust control, 
maintenance, and scientific testing. 
 Reports on the following subjects were prepared and submitted to federal and state 
regulatory agencies and other organizations in compliance with regulatory requirements: 
 Hazardous materials and chemicals 
 Wastes generated and recycled, including efforts to minimize waste generation 
 Purchase and use of recycled materials 
 Use of sand and gravel 
 Desert tortoises/biological surveys 
 Air emissions 
 Drinking water 
 Reclamation 
 Underground injections 
 Archaeological surveys and monitoring. 
Environmental ProgramsThe following actions were taken as part of the environmental 
program conducted in 2003 to implement permit requirements, monitor impacts, and protect the 
environment: 
 Ten requests for land access were reviewed by the Office of Repository Development in 
2003. Approval was granted for seven of these requests. 
 No land was cleared of vegetation or soil in 2003; the total amount of land disturbed by 
the Project since 1991 remained at 319 acres. This is 95 acres less than the total of 414 acres stipulated in the Biological Opinion for the Yucca Mountain Project issued 
by the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service. 
 No desert tortoises were found during pre-activity surveys, and no tortoises were harmed 
on roads or at other sites during 2003. 
 Final reclamation was completed at 16 sites totaling 1.2 acres and 94 previously 
reclaimed sites were monitored. By the end of 2003, final reclamation had been 
completed on 257 former Yucca Mountain Project disturbances totaling 88.4 acres. 
 Seven archaeological pre-activity field surveys were conducted in 2003. One new 
archaeological site and nine isolated artifacts were identified during those surveys. 
Conditions at five previously documented historical properties at Yucca Mountain were 
evaluated; no major disturbances were noted at these sites. 
 The Project continued consultations and interactions with involved Native American 
tribes and organizations. 
 Air quality was monitored at two sites at Yucca Mountain and meteorological 
measurements were taken at 12 sites at Yucca Mountain. Concentrations of airborne 
particulate matter continued to be far below allowable maximum concentrations. 2003 
was the third-wettest year since 1996, following the driest year (2002) since record 
keeping at Yucca Mountain began. 
 
Groundwater levels were measured at 40 sites to monitor fluctuations in groundwater 
levels and evaluate potential regional effects from groundwater withdrawals at Yucca 
Mountain. Between 1992 and 2003, water levels in Jackass Flats, where the Project 
withdraws the majority of its water, either had slight upward trends or had not changed. 
The withdrawal of groundwater for Project activities has had no measurable effect on 
regional groundwater levels or spring flows. 
 From 2002 to 2003, there was an increase of 1,763 pounds of hazardous waste generated 
by the Project. The primary reason for this increase was the closure of a research facility 
at Yucca Mountain that contained expired laboratory chemicals that required proper 
disposal. The total quantity of hazardous waste collected during 2003 was 
1,964 pounds. Universal waste (mostly fluorescent lamps and nickel-cadmium batteries) 
totaling 2,609 pounds was also collected. 1,291 pounds of hazardous waste and 
1,727 pounds of universal waste were shipped to a permitted Treatment, Storage, and 
Disposal facility in 2003. 
 As part of the Projects pollution-prevention program, two assessments were conducted 
in 2003 to evaluate methods of reducing waste streams from aerosol cans and from 
propane cylinders. The use of puncturing units was determined to be a reasonable 
option.  The purchase of U.S. Environmental Protection Agency-designated recycled-content 
items increased to about 97 percent in 2003, up from about 90 percent in 2002. 
Procurement of energy-saving upgrades were incorporated into lease renegotiations for 
office facilities in Las Vegas, Nevada. 
 Seven assessments were conducted to evaluate compliance with environmental, safety, 
and health requirements. 
 178 environmental surveillances were conducted in 2003 to monitor compliance and 
track environmental performance. Positive observations, noteworthy practices, or no 
environmental concerns were identified in 95 percent of the surveillances (169). This 
compares to 96 percent in 2002 and 94 percent in 2001. Of the nine surveillances for 
which concerns were noted, four corrective actions were implemented for spills and 
waste-management issues and five were implemented for noncompliance with 
procedures and plans. There were no permit violations or reportable spills in 2003. 
Trends in environmental performance in 2003 were negative; there was a one-percent 
increase in the number of findings that required corrective action in 2003 compared to 
2002. 
 Project personnel working at Yucca Mountain are instructed on the environmental and 
safety requirements that must be followed for field activities. Additional job-specific 
training is offered commensurate with job responsibilities. New employees must take 
General Employee Training. This six-hour course covers, among other things, 
environmental protection requirements, hazard communication, pollution prevention, 
and safety and health requirements. A computer-based annual refresher of these topics 
also is required of employees. New employees who work unescorted at Yucca 
Mountain attend site-access training. Managers and supervisors attended a course on 
environmental regulatory compliance. 
 When required, Project personnel are trained in the management and transportation of 
hazardous waste, and in requirements for detecting and responding to releases of 
hazardous materials. 


ACRONYMS 
BLM Bureau of Land Management 
BSC Bechtel SAIC Company, LLC (Limited Liability Company) 
DOE U.S. Department of Energy 
EIS environmental impact statement 
EMS Environmental Management System 
EPA U.S. Environmental Protection Agency 
EPCRA Emergency Planning and Community Right-to-Know Act of 1986 
ES&H Environmental, Safety and Health 
ISMS Integrated Safety Management System 
NEPA National Environmental Policy Act of 1969 
NRC U.S. Nuclear Regulatory Commission 
NWPA Nuclear Waste Policy Act of 1982 
ORD Office of Repository Development 
RCRA Resource Conservation and Recovery Act of 1976 
ROWR Right-of-Way Reservation 
SHPO State Historic Preservation Officer 
YMP Yucca Mountain Project 




1. INTRODUCTION 
This is the thirteenth annual site environmental report prepared by the U.S. Department of 
Energy (DOE), Office of Repository Development (ORD). The purpose of this report is to 
describe the ORD environmental program, compliance with environmental standards and 
requirements, and the environmental activities conducted during calendar year 2003. 
This report was prepared in accordance with DOE Order 231.1A, DOE Manual 231.1-1, and 
guidance from the DOE Office of Air, Water and Radiation Protection (Wallo 2004). The 
guidance emphasizes reporting emissions of, and human exposure to, radionuclides and other 
pollutants and hazardous substances. The Yucca Mountain Project (YMP) has not caused any 
public exposure to non-naturally-occurring radionuclides, nor is the YMP a major source of 
pollutants or hazardous substances. Therefore, this report does not emphasize those topics and 
differs from the content suggested in the guidance in the following ways: 
 This report does not contain a section describing the results of environmental 
radiological monitoring, radiological doses, or releases from operation of DOE facilities. 
The YMP does not manage radioactive materials beyond a few sealed industrial sources, 
and there are no effluents that require monitoring. Thus, monitoring the environment or 
calculating potential doses to offsite or onsite populations is not applicable. 
 Sections identified in the guidance as Environmental Program Information and 
Environmental Non-Radiological Program Information have been combined and are 
reported in Section 3 of this report (Environmental Programs). This was done because 
the monitoring and surveillance data, which the guidance suggests be included in the 
latter section, are brief and best understood in the context of the environmental 
programs. 
 The YMP groundwater monitoring program is included in Section 3 (instead of in a 
separate section as suggested by the guidance) because the Project does not release 
effluents into the groundwater. A description of the hydrology of Yucca Mountain and 
the surrounding region is contained in Section 1.1.3. 
Yucca Mountain, which is the site for the repository, is in a sparsely populated part of southern 
Nye County, Nevada. The YMP, however, occupies and operates facilities in both Nye and 
Clark Counties, Nevada, and one office building in Washington, DC. In Clark County, the ORD 
and its management and operating contractor, Bechtel SAIC Company, LLC (BSC), occupy 
15 office buildings in a suburban business park in Las Vegas, Nevada. BSC also uses two 
warehouses in Las Vegas for receiving, storing, and distributing materials and equipment. 
A YMP science center also is operated in Las Vegas to disseminate information on the YMP. 
Laboratory testing is conducted in two buildings at the DOEs National Nuclear Security 
Administration complex in North Las Vegas. Project activities conducted in offices in 
Las Vegas are primarily administration and technical support, management, scientific analyses 
and modeling, and engineering design. Similar activities are conducted by BSC in offices in 
Washington, DC. In Nye County, the YMP operates a science center in the city of Pahrump and 
another in the town of Beatty. All YMP facilities except those at Yucca Mountain are serviced 
by municipal utilities such as sewer, water, electrical, telecommunications, and waste disposal. Utility services at Yucca Mountain are part of the operation and maintenance of that site and, 
therefore, the responsibility of the YMP. 
Development of this report was not subject to the requirements of the YMP Quality Assurance 
Requirements and Description (DOE 2003), as determined by the DOE. The report describes, 
however, the results of many activities that are subject to the YMP Quality Assurance 
Requirements and Description (DOE 2003). 
1.1 SITE DESCRIPTION 
The Yucca Mountain site (the site) encompasses about 30,000 acres on lands administered by 
the federal government in a remote part of the northern Mojave Desert. The site is in Nye 
County, south-central Nevada, about 100 miles northwest of Las Vegas, Nevada (Figure 1). 
Yucca Mountain is an irregularly shaped, north-trending, volcanic upland, 4-6 miles wide and 
25 miles long. The crest of that portion of the mountain being investigated by the DOE has an 
elevation of 4,600-4,950 feet. The main ridge in this area slopes steeply to the west into Crater 
Flat (elevation 3,900 feet) and gently eastward to Jackass Flats on the Nevada Test Site 
(elevation 3,600 feet). 
The following sections briefly describe the physical, biological, cultural, and demographic 
settings of the Yucca Mountain area. More detailed information about the site can be found in 
the Yucca Mountain Site Description (CRWMS M&O 2000) and the Final Environmental 
Impact Statement for a Geologic Repository for the Disposal of Spent Nuclear Fuel and 
High-Level Radioactive Waste at Yucca Mountain, Nye County, Nevada (DOE 2002). 
1.1.1 Climate and Meteorology 
Typical of southwestern deserts, the climate at Yucca Mountain is warm, and ranges from arid to 
semi-arid (CRWMS M&O 1999a; 2000, Section 2.3). Average minimum and maximum daily 
temperatures in Midway Valley near the Yucca Mountain site range from 72F to 93F in the 
summer and from 34F to 51F in the winter. Average annual precipitation at the network of 
Yucca Mountain meteorological stations ranges from four to 10 inches, depending on elevation 
and topography. Annual precipitation varies greatly among years because of differences in 
regional storm patterns. Occasional periods of persistent or heavy rains, particularly in the 
winter, have produced more than two inches of rain in a day. Summer thunderstorms can drop 
more than one inch in a matter of hours, sometimes resulting in flash floods along the usually dry 
washes that drain Yucca Mountain. Potential evaporation is almost 66 inches per year. 
Winds in the region are influenced by nearby mountains and valleys, as well as large-scale 
weather systems. Winds near Yucca Mountain generally blow to the south or southeast during 
the day and to the north or northwest at night. Average hourly wind speeds range from 5.8 to 
9.6 miles per hour, and calm periods are rare and short-lived. The strongest winds typically 
occur on exposed ridges. Maximum wind gusts have been recorded at more than 85 miles per 
hour on exposed ridges, and more than 60 miles per hour in valleys. Figure 1. Land Use and Ownership Surrounding Yucca Mountain 1.1.2 Geology 
The mountains and valleys visible today in the region of Yucca Mountain formed over the past 
15 million years from movement along faults. Rock units in this region range in age from 
geologically old in some mountains (Precambrian era, or more than 570 million years old) to 
geologically recent in the valleys (Holocene epoch, or less than 10,000 years old). At Yucca 
Mountain, most rocks exposed at the surface originated from volcanic eruptions between 
11.5 million and 14 million years ago. 
The oldest and deepest rocks at Yucca Mountain are more than 570 million years old. They 
occur more than 4.7 miles below the surface. Overlying these rocks are Paleozoic sedimentary 
rocks between 225 and 570 million years old. The lower part of these Paleozoic rocks, which are 
three miles thick and more than 1.1 miles below the surface, are part of a regional carbonate 
aquifer. 
The Paleozoic rocks beneath Yucca Mountain are overlain by 1.6 miles of volcanic ash-flow 
tuffs and ashfalls that are widely exposed at the surface. These rocks originated between 
11.5 million and 14 million years ago (during the Tertiary Period) from circular volcanic centers 
known as calderas. The eroded remnants of these calderas, some measuring many miles across, 
are still visible north of Yucca Mountain. 
Overlying the Tertiary volcanic rocks at and surrounding Yucca Mountain are unconsolidated 
rocks known as alluvium and several small cinder cones and basaltic lava flows. These rocks are 
all younger than 1.6 million years old (Quaternary Period). The alluvial deposits developed from 
erosion of nearby highlands. The alluvium was then transported by water, wind, and gravity to 
lower elevations. Fans of alluvium form large aprons along the flanks of Yucca Mountain. Most 
of the alluvial deposits that are visible at the surface in the Yucca Mountain area probably 
formed within the last 100,000 years. In Crater Flat, west of Yucca Mountain, several small 
cinder cones and lava flows erupted between one million and 3.7 million years ago. The 
youngest volcanic center in the area is the Lathrop Wells cone, estimated to have erupted about 
80,000 years ago. The cone is 9.3 miles southwest of Yucca Mountain. 
Five earthquakes, with Richter magnitudes greater than 5.5, have been recorded within 60 miles 
of Yucca Mountain. Except for the Little Skull Mountain earthquake, all occurred near the 
Death ValleyFurnace Creek fault system more than 30 miles south of Yucca Mountain. The 
1992 Little Skull Mountain earthquake occurred nine miles from Yucca Mountain and had a 
magnitude of 5.6 (CRWMS M&O 2000, Section 12.3). 
1.1.3 Hydrology 
Yucca Mountain is within the Alkali FlatFurnace Creek Ranch Groundwater Basin of the 
Central Death Valley subregion (Figure 2). This groundwater system is closed, that is, water 
leaves the system only by evapotranspiration. The primary source of recharge in this area is 
infiltration of precipitation on Pahute Mesa, Timber Mountain, and Shoshone Mountain in the 
central part of the subregion, and the Grapevine and Funeral Mountains in the southwestern part 
of the subregion (DAgnese et al. 1997) (Figure 2). 
Source: Modified from DOE 1999 
Figure 2. Groundwater Basins in the Vicinity of Yucca Mountain 
Groundwater in the saturated zone beneath Yucca Mountain occurs at a depth of 1,600-2,500 feet 
below the surface in volcanic aquifers and in a much deeper carbonate aquifer. This 
groundwater discharges naturally more than 50 miles south of Yucca Mountain at Alkali Flat 
(Franklin Lake Playa) and in Death Valley (Figure 2) (DAgnese et al. 1997). Water used by the 
YMP is pumped from the volcanic aquifers in Crater Flat and Jackass Flats. 
There are no springs, wetlands, or other natural sources of surface water at Yucca Mountain 
(Hansen et al. 1997). The usually dry washes in the area may contain flowing water after very 
heavy, sustained rain or snow. On rare occasions, water in the washes flows to the Amargosa 
River more than 25 miles to the south. Although referred to as a river, the Amargosa is dry 
along most of its length. Exceptions include short stretches of the river near Beatty, Nevada; 
Tecopa, California; and southern Death Valley, California, where the river ends in the Badwater 
Basin, 260 feet below sea level (DOE 2002, Section 3.1.4.1.1). 
1.1.4 Biological Resources 
Plants typical of the Mojave Desert are most abundant at elevations below 4,000 feet. Common 
shrubs include white bursage (Ambrosia dumosa), creosotebush (Larrea tridentata), Nevada jointfir (Ephedra nevadensis), littleleaf ratany (Krameria erecta), pale wolfberry (Lycium 
pallidum), California buckwheat (Eriogonum fasciculatum), and spiny hopsage (Grayia spinosa) 
(CRWMS M&O 1998a). 
Species typical of the Great Basin Desert and the transition zone between the Great Basin Desert 
and Mojave Desert are most abundant at elevations above 4,000 feet, primarily in the northern 
part of the Project area. Blackbrush (Coleogyne ramosissima) is the most abundant shrub at 
mid- to high-elevations growing on gentle slopes. Steep slopes at high elevations are dominated 
by California buckwheat, heathgoldenrod (Ericameria teretifolius), Nevada jointfir, broom 
snakeweed (Gutierezzia sarothrae), and green ephedra (Ephedra viridis). Big sagebrush 
(Artemisia tridentata) is common on some steep north-facing slopes (CRWMS M&O 1998a). 
Thirty-six species of mammals have been recorded at Yucca Mountain, none of which are 
classified as threatened or endangered. Rodents are the most abundant mammals, with 
17 documented species (CRWMS M&O 1997). Seven species of bats have been recorded at 
Yucca Mountain (CRWMS M&O 1998b); two of these, the long-legged myotis (Myotis volans) 
and fringed myotis (Myotis thysanodes), are considered sensitive species in Nevada by the 
Bureau of Land Management (BLM). Three species of rabbits, seven carnivores, and 
two ungulates (mule deer [Odocoileus hemionus] and feral burros [Equus asinus]) also have been 
seen at Yucca Mountain (CRWMS M&O 1999b). 
Twenty-seven species of reptiles have been found at Yucca Mountain, including 12 species of 
lizards, 14 species of snakes, and 1 species of tortoise (CRWMS M&O 1998c). The 
desert -tortoise (Gopherus agassizii) is listed as threatened under the Endangered Species Act of 
1973 (Section 2.3.1), and the western chuckwalla (Sauromalus obesus) is classified as a sensitive 
species in Nevada by the BLM. 
More than 120 species of birds have been seen in the Yucca Mountain region, including 
15 species of raptors (CRWMS M&O 1998d). Western burrowing owls (Speotyto cunicularia 
hypugaea), which are uncommon at the site, are classified as sensitive in Nevada by the BLM. 
1.1.5 Cultural Resources 
Archaeological resources discovered at and near Yucca Mountain indicate past use by small, 
mobile hunter-gatherer societies. This use may have lasted for several thousand years, followed 
by about 150 years of sporadic and transitory occupation by people of European extraction for 
limited prospecting and, possibly, ranching (DOE 1990, Section 2.4.3). The region was 
inhabited by Native American populations for at least 12,000 years. At first, most settlement 
seems to have centered along major drainages, which presumably were corridors for wild game 
and food plants. By 7,000 years ago, a second settlement pattern is discernible, with the 
establishment of temporary camps in the uplands of Yucca Mountain, some distance away from 
major drainages. A third shift in the pattern of settlement occurred about 1,500 years ago, 
indicated by the presence of sites, often with grinding stones, on alluvial fans or in small rock 
shelters in uplands. By that time, sites were no longer being established along major drainages, 
perhaps indicating that these waterways were dry. Instead, sites were located near small, 
seasonal water sources such as tanks or depressions in rock outcrops. A fourth and most recent 
period of settlement is associated with Euroamerican settlers and prospectors, indicated by rock cairns (piles of rock), tin cans, and temporary camps (DOE 1990, Section 2.4.3). At the time of 
the first recorded arrival of Euroamericans in 1849, the area was inhabited by Southern Paiute 
and Western Shoshone Indians (Stoffle et al. 1990). 
Many archaeological surveys have been conducted at Yucca Mountain. As a result, more than 
900 archaeological and historic sites, ranging from single fragments of ceramic or pottery vessels 
(sherds) to campsites and quarries, have been identified in the main Yucca Mountain 
Archaeological Management Area. 
1.1.6 Demography 
Nye County and surrounding areas are rural, sparsely populated, and have most residents 
concentrated in a few small communities. County populations, as determined by the U.S. Census 
Bureau during the decennial census of April 2000, were as follows: Nye County, Nevada, 
32,485 residents; Lincoln County, Nevada, 4,165 residents; Esmeralda County, Nevada, 
971 residents; and Inyo County, California, 17,945 residents (U.S. Census Bureau 2001a, 
2001b). The estimated population within each of these counties in July 2003 was 35,717; 4,264; 
858; and 18,326 residents, respectively (U.S. Census Bureau 2004a, 2004b). 
To evaluate potential impacts of a repository on the public, the number of people living within a 
circular area 52 miles in radius surrounding Yucca Mountain is tracked for each of 161 sectors 
within the circular area. During 2003, 30 of the sectors contained residents. The population in 
this area was estimated to be 23,180 during 2003 (11.7 people/mile2 in the sectors with 
residents), with the majority of the population living in or near a few communities (BSC 2003a, 
Table 1). Within Nye County, the community of Pahrump is split by the southeastern perimeter 
of the study circle. The estimated population of the portion of Pahrump that lies within the study 
circle is 18,611. The Amargosa area, including the community of Amargosa Valley, 
15 - 20 miles south of Yucca Mountain, has an estimated population of 1,412. The area 
including Beatty, 20 miles west of Yucca Mountain, has an estimated 1,193 residents. In 
Clark County, the Indian Springs area 47 miles east of Yucca Mountain has an estimated 
population of 1,494. In Inyo County, California, the estimated population within the study area 
is 469 in and near Death Valley National Park (BSC 2003a, Table 1). Las Vegas is 100 miles 
southeast of Yucca Mountain, outside of the radiological-monitoring study area. 
1.1.7 Land Use 
Land within the Yucca Mountain site is controlled by three federal agencies: the DOE, 
U.S. Air Force, and the BLM (Figure 1). Public access to DOE and U.S. Air Force lands is 
restricted. Some off-highway driving and other recreational activities occur on the BLM portion 
of the site. 
Because of a lack of surface water and very deep groundwater, there is little agriculture in the 
region surrounding Yucca Mountain. The nearest farms are in the Amargosa Valley, 15 miles to 
the south. The Pahrump Valley, 47 miles to the southeast, also has some farming operations. 
There are a limited number of BLM-issued grazing leases for southern Nye County, and none 
have been issued for lands at or surrounding the site. Several mining operations exist near Yucca 
Mountain; the closest is a cinder mine 9.3 miles southwest of Yucca Mountain. Areas south and southwest of the repository site are popular throughout the year for recreational 
activities such as camping, hiking, hunting, and nature study. Two that are particularly well 
known are Ash Meadows National Wildlife Refuge (about 25 miles south) and Death Valley 
National Park (about 20 miles southwest). 
1.2 MISSION AND CURRENT ACTIVITIES 
In 1982, Congress enacted the Nuclear Waste Policy Act of 1982 (NWPA). The act specified 
that spent nuclear fuel from commercial nuclear reactors and high-level radioactive waste from 
national defense activities will be disposed of underground in deep geologic repositories. In 
1987, the act was amended by designating Yucca Mountain, Nevada, as the single candidate site 
for a repository. The amended act directed the DOE to characterize Yucca Mountain as a 
potential geologic repository, and to make a recommendation to the Secretary of Energy as to its 
suitability to safely isolate these wastes. 
1.2.1 Site Recommendation and Approval 
On February 14, 2002, the Secretary of Energy submitted a comprehensive statement to the 
President recommending Yucca Mountain as the site for a geologic repository. This 
recommendation was made after more than two decades of scientific investigations by DOE to 
determine the suitability of Yucca Mountain to isolate spent nuclear fuel and high-level 
radioactive waste. The President approved the Secretarys recommendation on 
February 15, 2002, and forwarded it to Congress. On April 8, 2002, the Governor of Nevada 
vetoed the Presidents recommendation. On May 8 and July 9, 2002, the House of 
Representatives and the Senate, respectively, passed resolutions overriding the governors veto. 
On July 23, 2002, the President signed into law the Congressional Joint Resolution designating 
Yucca Mountain as the site for the nations first geologic repository per Section 115(c) of the 
NWPA, as amended. 
The Secretarys recommendation of the Yucca Mountain site marked the end of the site 
characterization phase of the project. As described in Section 113 of the NWPA, the tests and 
studies conducted during site characterization were designed to determine the suitability of the 
Yucca Mountain site for a repository. During the remainder of 2002, and through all of 2003, 
emphasis shifted to the preparation of a license application that will be submitted to the 
U.S. Nuclear Regulatory Commission (NRC) to construct and ultimately operate the repository 
(Section 1.2.2). 
1.2.2 Licensing Efforts 
After the site recommendation on February 14, 2002, and through 2003, the Department has 
been preparing a license application that will be submitted to the NRC to construct and 
ultimately operate the repository. The license application is expected to be submitted in 
December 2004. Upon submittal, the NRC will have three years to review the application, 
conduct its licensing proceedings, and reach a decision on a construction authorization. Should 
the NRC grant the construction authorization, the Department will update the license application 
and request a license to receive and possess high-level radioactive waste as initial construction of 
the repository nears completion. If the Commission grants the license to receive and possess, the Department will begin placing the waste into the repository. In the final phase of licensing, 
when the repository has stopped receiving waste for disposal, the Department will apply for a 
license amendment to decommission and permanently close the repository. 
During 2003, DOE interactions with the NRC continued to focus on addressing and resolving 
topics that the NRC considers important to evaluating the performance of a repository at Yucca 
Mountain. The DOE also continued to create and maintain a nuclear safety culture and to 
rigorously comply with quality-assurance procedures, which are two key elements necessary for 
successful licensing and safe operation of the repository. 
1.2.3 Continuing Studies 
Per the NWPA, the site characterization phase of the Project ended on February 14, 2002, with 
the Secretarys recommendation of the site to the President. During 2003, the ORD continued 
testing at Yucca Mountain to further refine the understanding of how a repository would perform 
far into the future. Some of these studies may continue indefinitely or until the repository is 
permanently closed. Design and operating decisions could be modified based on the results of 
these studies and tests, as well as other technological and policy developments. The ongoing 
learning process is designed to challenge current models and assumptions and lead to continuous 
improvement. INTENTIONALLY LEFT BLANK 2. ENVIRONMENTAL COMPLIANCE 
This section briefly describes the laws and regulations that applied to YMP activities conducted 
in 2003 (see the Project Requirements Document for more information [BSC 2003b]). This 
section also summarizes actions taken by the ORD to comply with those laws and regulations, 
lists the environmental permits that were applicable to YMP activities in 2003 (Table 1), and 
summarizes permit-associated litigation (Section 2.9). Included is a description of laws and 
regulations listed in the DOE guidance for preparing site environmental reports (Wallo 2004) 
that were not applicable to YMP activities in 2003 and an explanation of why they were not 
applicable. 
During 2003, the YMP had no violations of environmental permits or noncompliance actions; no 
reportable occurrences that required notification of a regulatory agency; and no notices of 
violations, deficiencies, announcements of intent to sue, or other types of enforcement actions 
concerning environmental compliance. 
2.1 GENERAL REQUIREMENTS 
2.1.1 Nuclear Waste Policy Act of 1982 
The NWPA established a federal policy for the disposal of spent nuclear fuel and high-level 
radioactive waste in geologic repositories and assigned to the DOE the responsibility for carrying 
out that policy. The NWPA directs the DOE to determine, through site characterization, whether 
Yucca Mountain is a suitable site for a repository. On February 14, 2002, the Secretary of 
Energy recommended the Yucca Mountain site to the President, thereby ending the site 
characterization phase of the project. The recommendation process set forth in the NWPA was 
followed, culminating in the enactment of the Yucca Mountain Development Act on 
July 23, 2002. 
During the remainder of 2002 and through 2003, the ORD continued testing at Yucca Mountain 
to further refine the understanding of how a repository at Yucca Mountain would perform far 
into the future. These studies and tests were conducted in a manner that minimizes, to the 
maximum extent practicable, adverse environmental impacts. To accomplish this, the ORD 
continued its comprehensive and integrated environmental program to ensure compliance with 
applicable laws and regulations, collect data and monitor impacts of site activities, and minimize 
those impacts. The program is described in the YMP Environmental Management Plan 
(YMP 2000a). 
2.1.2 National Environmental Policy Act of 1969 
The National Environmental Policy Act of 1969 (NEPA), and the regulations that implement the 
act (40 CFR Parts 1500-1508), establish a process that federal agencies must follow to evaluate 
and document the potential benefits and consequences of proposed major federal actions on 
human and natural environments. Those evaluations are conducted to assist agencies in making 
informed decisions about their proposed actions. DOE has developed regulations 
(10 CFR Part 1021) for implementing NEPA requirements and to ensure compliance with 
35 FR 4247, Protection and Enhancement of Environmental Quality Executive Order 11514.
Table 1. Permits Applicable to Project Activities in 2003 
Regulation Permit Type 
Permit Number or 
Case File Permit Period Comments 
Materials Act of 1947 
Free Use Permit 
N-63370, Borrow 
Pit #1 
N-51530, Coyote 
Wash Borrow Pit 
12/3/99 - 1/6/08 
10/26/90 - N/A 
Expires when construction ends 
Federal Land Policy & 
Management Act of 1976 
Right-of-Way Reservation 
(ROWRs)a 
Public Land Withdrawal 
N-47748 
N-48602 
N-50250 
1/06/88 - 1/6/08 
10/10/89 - 1/6/08 
9/17/90 - 1/31/10 
Renewed January 2001 
Renewed January 2001 (and again on 
April 8, 2004) 
Withdrawal extended in August 2002 
Endangered Species Act of 1973 
Biological Opinion 
Biological Opinion 
1-5-96-F-307R 
1-5-00-F-518 
7/23/97 - N/A 
8/28/01 - N/A 
Covers scientific testing and site 
confirmation investigations before 
repository construction 
Covers effects of construction, operation, 
and monitoring of a geologic repository at 
Yucca Mountain 
NAC 503 
Scientific Collection 
Permit 
S21678 
1/26/02 - 12/31/03 
New permit obtained every two years. 
Clean Air Act/NAC 445B 
Air Quality Operating 
Permit 
AP9199 - 0573.01 
7/23/01 - 7/23/06 
Clean Water Act/NAC 445A 
General Discharge 
Permit 
NVR100000- 
35258, 
Construction 
Stormwater 
General Permit 
GNEV9201 - 
40037, Septic 
Tank 
9/16/02-9/15/07 
7/12/95 - 5/12/98 
Permit remains in effect until state issues 
a new permit (no renewal application 
required). (Renewed by State of Nevada 
on July 22, 2004, with an expiration date 
of July 22, 2009.) 
Safe Drinking Water Act/NAC 
445A 
Public Water System 
Permit 
Underground Injection 
Control Permit 
NY-0867-12NCNT 
UNEV89031 
9/30/02 - 9/30/03 
9/30/03  9/30/04 
1/30/96 - 1/26/01 
Permit renewed annually 
Renewal application filed July 2000; 
existing permit remains in effect until 
state issues a new permit 
Table 1. Permits Applicable to Project Activities in 2003 (Continued) 
Regulation Permit Type 
Permit Number or 
Case File Permit Period Comments 
Nevada Revised Statute 533 
Water Appropriation 
Permits 
63262-63267 
J-12 and J-13 - 
Joint Stipulation 
agreement 
between DOE and 
State of Nevada 
57375, VH-1 
na 
Undefined 
4/2/92 - N/A 
Permit applications for permanent water 
rights: Applications denied. Decision on 
appeal 
Potable and non-potable water needs for 
ongoing site maintenance operations and 
testing  Limited to 1,360,000 gallons per 
year 
Permanent water right. Proof of 
Application of Water to Beneficial Use for 
2.3 acre-feet submitted 4/5/02 
NAC 477 
Hazardous Materials 
Storage Permit 
1403/2796 
3/1/03  2/29/04 
Permit reissued annually 
aList does not include seven ROWRs for small sites in Nevada and California. 
The NWPA includes several sections about how NEPA applies to activities at Yucca Mountain. 
Section 112(b) requires the Secretary of Energy to prepare an Environmental Assessment before 
nominating a site as suitable for site characterization. This assessment was released in 1986 
(DOE 1986). Section 113(d) states that site characterization activities are preliminary 
decision-making activities; therefore, an environmental impact statement (EIS) was not required 
for site characterization activities. 
Section 114(f) of the NWPA requires that a Final EIS be prepared and included with any 
recommendation to the President to approve a site as a repository. Therefore, the ORD 
published a Notice of Intent (60 FR 40164) in 1995 stating its intention to prepare an EIS and to 
solicit public comments on its scope. The DOE completed the Draft EIS in 1999 (DOE 1999). 
In May 2001, DOE issued a Supplement to the Draft EIS (DOE 2001) that evaluated an updated 
repository design. 
As required by the NWPA, the Final EIS (DOE 2002) was submitted with the Secretary of 
Energys site recommendation to the President on February 14, 2002. The preferred alternative 
was to proceed with the Proposed Action, which is to construct, operate and monitor, and 
eventually close a geologic repository at Yucca Mountain. The Final EIS also found that the use 
of mostly rail, both nationally and in Nevada, was the preferred way to transport spent nuclear 
fuel and high-level radioactive waste to the repository. Major conclusions of the Final EIS were 
that the Proposed Action would cause small, short-term public health impacts. These impacts 
would occur primarily from nonradiological traffic fatalities during transport of spent nuclear 
fuel and high-level radioactive waste from existing commercial and DOE sites to the repository. 
The Final EIS found that long-term impacts to public health from the repository would be very 
small. 
Testing will continue at the site for many years. Data generated from these studies could be used 
to enhance or modify the design of the repository that was examined in the Final EIS (DOE 2002). To determine whether environmental impacts from design enhancements were 
adequately considered in the Final EIS, the ORD developed a procedure to review all 
post-recommendation activities and design enhancements to determine the possible need for 
additional NEPA review. Moreover, Section 114 of the NWPA requires that the NRC adopt, to 
the extent practicable, the DOEs Final EIS. Therefore, the procedure also addresses provisions 
of the NRC regulations regarding supplementing the repository Final EIS (10 CFR 63.24). The 
procedure also implements requirements from DOE Order 451.1B, 40 CFR Parts 1500-1508, and 
10 CFR Part 1021. During 2003, the ORD also began preparing an Environmental Report that 
will supplement the Final EIS and will summarize the findings of the aforementioned impact 
determinations. The Environmental Report will be submitted to the NRC in 2005 or 2006. 
In accordance with DOE Order 451.1B, an annual summary of NEPA activities conducted by the 
ORD during 2003 and planned for 2004 was completed in 2004 (Milner 2004). 
2.1.3 Atomic Energy Act of 1954 
The Atomic Energy Act, as amended, provides fundamental jurisdictional authority to DOE and 
the NRC over governmental and commercial use of nuclear materials. The act ensures proper 
management, production, possession, and use of radioactive materials. It grants to the DOE the 
authority to develop generally applicable standards for protecting workers, the public, and the 
environment from radioactive materials. In accordance with the Atomic Energy Act, the DOE 
has established a system of requirements issued as DOE Directives and codified federal 
regulations. 
There are no work processes on the YMP that require monitoring of radioactive effluents. The 
Project maintains an inventory of sealed-instrument check sources and moisture/density tools for 
moisture/density measurements and some limited well-logging activities. 
2.1.4 Executive Order 13148, Greening the Government through Leadership in 
Environmental Management 
Executive Order 13148 (65 FR 24595) requires federal agencies to integrate environmental 
accountability into day-to-day decision-making and long-term planning. One goal of Executive 
Order 13148 (65 FR 24595) is to ensure that strategies are established that support environmental 
leadership programs, policies, and procedures by requiring the implementation of Environmental 
Management Systems (EMSs) at appropriate federal facilities by December 31, 2005. 
In 2001, the Secretary of Energy issued DOE Notice 450.4, which established applicability, 
requirements, and responsibilities for implementing Executive Order 13148 (65 FR 24595) 
within the DOE. The provisions of DOE Notice 450.4 apply to all DOE elements responsible for 
oversight of contracts for the management and operation of DOE facilities and to all contractors. 
The Notice established the requirements for implementing an EMS at DOE facilities as part of an 
Integrated Safety Management System (ISMS). In January 2003, DOE issued DOE Order 450.1 
that incorporated the requirements of DOE Notice 450.4 (DOE Order 450.1 canceled DOE 
Notice 450.4). 
Several actions were taken in 2003 to implement the EMS requirements in Executive 
Order 13148 (65 FR 24595) and DOE Order 450.1. The ORD is implementing an EMS based on ISO 14001; which is the international EMS standard developed by the International Organization 
for Standards (ISO 1996). A senior management review of the EMS was integrated into the 
annual ISMS review in 2002. This review was conducted in October 2002 (Wells 2002). 
The review identified five opportunities for improvement in the EMS, as follows (Wells 2002): 
 Dissemination of, and training on, the environmental policy 
 Process for identifying environmental aspects (i.e., developing a procedural process) 
 Process for establishing objectives 
 Tracking of progress toward targets 
 Requirement for action plans to achieve objectives and targets. 
Action plans to implement these improvements were prepared and tracked in the Condition/Issue 
Identification & Reporting/Resolution System and completed in calendar year 2003 (this 
tracking system was changed to the Corrective Action Program on September 29, 2003). 
Information on the Environmental Management Policy was integrated into general-employee and 
site-access training to increase awareness and knowledge of the policy. A process was added to 
the hazard analysis procedure to ensure that environmental aspects, objectives and targets, and 
environmental management programs to address those objectives and targets, are identified, 
defined, and completed. 
Other parts of the YMP environmental program comply with other requirements of Executive 
Order 13148 (65 FR 24595). For example, all requests for authorization to purchase and use 
chemicals are reviewed to ensure that the least hazardous materials are selected for use and that 
the possibility of releases of toxic chemicals is reduced or eliminated. Whenever possible, 
wastes are reduced using recycling and source reduction (Section 3.8.2). Environmental 
compliance is evaluated through formal assessments (Section 3.9) and surveillances 
(Section 3.10). Environmental accountability is integrated into daily functions and planning as 
part of the YMP ISMS and by instilling environmental and pollution-prevention awareness 
during training programs (Section 3.11) and presentations (Section 3.8.3). Protection of 
resources on ORD-controlled land is achieved through land-access reviews (Section 3.1), 
biological surveys and reclamation (Sections 3.2 and 3.3), identification and conservation of 
cultural resources (Section 3.4), environmental regulatory compliance (Sections 3.5 through 3.8), 
and assessment and surveillance programs (Sections 3.9 and 3.10). 
2.1.5 Executive Order 13101, Greening the Government through Waste Prevention, 
Recycling, and Federal Acquisition 
Executive Order 13101 (63 FR 49643) establishes purchasing guidelines and reporting 
requirements for federal agencies. It expands and strengthens the federal governments 
commitment to recycling and requires that, whenever possible, federal agencies procure 
environmentally preferable products and services and purchase recycled-content products 
identified by the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA). The YMP affirmative 
procurement program is described in Section 3.8.3. 2.1.6 Executive Order 13123, Greening the Government through Efficient Energy 
Management 
Executive Order 13123 (64 FR 30851) requires federal facilities to reduce emissions of 
greenhouse gases, improve energy efficiency and water conservation, and expand the use of 
renewable energy. This Executive Order requires that sustainable-design principles be applied to 
the siting, design, and construction of new facilities. Contractors for major DOE facilities are 
responsible for (1) compliance with the requirements of the Contractor Requirements Document 
(attached to the Order) regardless of the performer of the work, and (2) flowing down the 
requirements of the Contractor Requirements Document to subcontracts to the extent necessary 
to ensure contractors' compliance with the requirements. The Projects efforts to comply with 
this Executive Order are described in Section 3.8. 
2.1.7 Executive Order 13149, Greening the Government through Federal Fleet and 
Transportation Efficiency 
Executive Order 13149 (65 FR 24607) requires federal facilities to reduce the consumption of 
petroleum fuels by using alternative fuels and by acquiring vehicles with high fuel economy. 
Efforts to implement Executive Order 13149 (65 FR 24607) on the YMP include the purchase of 
fuel-efficient and alternative-fuel vehicles, designation of a compressed-natural-gas refueling 
facility, and the purchase of retread tires for large trucks and heavy equipment (see Section 3.8.3 
for additional information). 
2.2 LAND USE 
2.2.1 Federal Land Policy and Management Act of 1976 
The Federal Land Policy and Management Act of 1976 establish federal policy for governmentowned 
lands administered by the BLM. The Act mandates that these lands be managed in a way 
that will protect environmental quality, preserve certain lands in their natural condition, and 
provide for outdoor recreation and human occupancy and use. Because some YMP activities are 
conducted on BLM-administered public land, the ORD must comply with BLM requirements for 
access to and use of that land. 
Access for site characterization activities on BLM-administered land and 
U.S. Air Force-administered BLM land at Yucca Mountain was granted in Right-of-Way 
Reservation (ROWRs) issued in January 1988 and October 1989, respectively (BLM 1988, 
1989). The ROWR for the U.S. Air Force-administered BLM land was subsequently renewed in 
June 1994 (BLM 1994). In January 2001, both ROWRs were renewed for seven years (Wells 
2001a, 2001b, 2001c). The ROWR for U.S. Air Force-administered BLM land was renewed in 
2004. In 1990, the BLM withdrew 4,256 acres of public land at Yucca Mountain from the 
mining and mineral-leasing laws, including the filing of new mining claims. This withdrawal 
was set to expire in September 25, 2002 (55 FR 39152), but was extended in 2002 until 
January 31, 2010, by Public Land Order 7534 (67 FR 53358). Over the years, the ORD has 
acquired 45 ROWRs from the BLM for scattered sites throughout Nevada and southern 
California for seismic, radiation, and stream-flow monitoring stations and for pits to study 
volcanism and faulting. Most of these sites are less than 0.3 acres. Seven of the ROWRs were still active at the end of 2003. The other 38 ROWRs were either transferred to other agencies or 
the equipment was dismantled, the site reclaimed, and the ROWR identified to the BLM for 
relinquishment. 
All BLM ROWRs require that the YMP comply with applicable environmental laws and 
regulations. Environmental program activities described in Section 3 are, therefore, conducted 
on all ROWRs, as applicable. BLM also requires the DOE to recontour and revegetate disturbed 
sites before relinquishing them, and to monitor the growth of vegetation on those sites until 
reclamation-success criteria are achieved. As described in Section 3.3, the YMP conducted 
reclamation when applicable and as agreed upon with the BLM at sites relinquished in 2003. 
2.2.2 Materials Act of 1947 
The Materials Act of 1947 authorizes the BLM and other land management agencies to issue 
free-use permits to federal and state agencies for use of common varieties of sand, stone, and 
gravel on public lands. Since 1990, the BLM has issued the YMP three free-use permits to 
excavate sand and gravel. One of the permits is for a borrow pit in Coyote Wash that has not 
been developed. The second permit, for a borrow pit near Fortymile Wash, was allowed to 
expire in 2001 after recontouring and reclamation had been completed. The third, for Borrow 
Pit #1 east of Fran Ridge, was to expire in 2001; the ORD applied to the BLM for a renewal in 
1999. A renewal of that permit, valid for seven years, was granted in February 2000 
(Drais 2000). As described in the annual report to the BLM, 269 cubic yards of material were 
removed from that pit in 2003 (Wade 2003a). 
2.3 BIOLOGICAL RESOURCES 
2.3.1 Endangered Species Act of 1973 
The Endangered Species Act of 1973 requires federal agencies to consult with the U.S. Fish and 
Wildlife Service to ensure that their actions do not jeopardize the continued existence of 
threatened or endangered species, or destroy or adversely modify their critical habitats. This act 
also prohibits killing, injuring, or otherwise taking a threatened or endangered species, unless 
that taking is incidental to an otherwise lawful act and conducted in accordance with an 
incidental take provision issued by the Service. The desert tortoise is the only threatened or 
endangered species at Yucca Mountain. The Yucca Mountain site is not classified as critical 
habitat for this threatened species. 
In 1989, the ORD consulted with the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service about the effects of site 
characterization activities on desert tortoises. The Service concluded in a 1990 biological 
opinion that it was unlikely that site characterization and related activities would jeopardize the 
desert tortoise (McNatt 1990). In 1996, the ORD reinitiated formal consultation to allow the 
Service to clarify its interpretation of take, revise the incidental take limit, and reevaluate terms 
and conditions for relocating tortoises. In a 1997 biological opinion, the Service again concluded 
that it was unlikely that completion of site characterization and related activities would 
jeopardize the desert tortoise. Consequently, the Service revised the terms and conditions the 
YMP must follow to legally and incidentally take desert tortoises (Buchanan 1997). That biological opinion and incidental-take provision were applicable to all YMP activities conducted 
during 2003. 
The 1997 incidental-take provision requires the YMP to (1) minimize harm to tortoises by 
conducting pre-activity and clearance surveys, (2) remove tortoises and tortoise nests from 
construction sites, (3) design and monitor escapable trenches, (4) control litter, (5) set speed 
limits, (6) reclaim habitat, and (7) implement a worker-education program. Many parts of the 
integrated environmental program described in Section 3 are conducted to comply with these 
requirements. For example, litter control, design of trenches, and other requirements are 
incorporated into projects during land access evaluations (Section 3.1). Surveys are conducted to 
find and protect tortoises (Section 3.2). Reclamation of desert tortoise habitat is conducted as 
described in Section 3.3. The training program described in Section 3.11 includes information 
about the conservation and protection of desert tortoises. 
No desert tortoises were killed or injured by site activities during 2003. An annual report of 
activities conducted to comply with the incidental-take provision was submitted to the U.S. Fish 
and Wildlife Service in February 2004 (Wade 2004a). 
The ORD also consulted with the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service on the effects of construction, 
operation, monitoring, and closure of a geological repository at Yucca Mountain. The Service 
concluded that those actions are not likely to jeopardize the continued existence of the desert 
tortoise. The resulting biological opinion (Williams 2001) would take effect only if the NRC 
authorized construction of the repository. Meanwhile, the YMP will follow the 1997 biological 
opinion (Buchanan 1997) to comply with the Endangered Species Act of 1973 for future 
scientific testing, site confirmation, and similar activities. 
2.3.2 Migratory Bird Treaty Act 
The Migratory Bird Treaty Act implements various treaties and conventions between the 
U.S. and Canada, Japan, Mexico, and the former Soviet Union for the protection of migratory 
birds. Taking, killing, or possessing migratory birds is unlawful under this act unless permitted 
by the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service. 
Surveys at Yucca Mountain are conducted before clearing vegetation (Section 3.2), in part to 
ensure that migratory birds are not harmed during those activities. In addition, facilities such as 
water tanks are inspected during surveillances (Section 3.10) to ensure that migratory birds are 
not being trapped or otherwise harmed. 
2.3.3 Nevada State Wildlife Statutes 
Nevada Administrative Code (NAC 503) prohibits capturing or harming species classified as 
protected by Nevada without a permit. The desert tortoise is classified in Nevada as threatened 
with extinction and has been placed on the state list of fully protected species. Because the YMP 
is required to remove desert tortoises that may be harmed by Project activities, BSC maintains a 
permit issued by the Nevada Division of Wildlife for the capture and relocation of desert 
tortoises (Nevada Division of Wildlife 2002). That permit also allows BSC to capture and 
possess other species for wildlife monitoring studies at Yucca Mountain. No tortoises or other wildlife were captured or possessed under this permit in 2003. An annual report was submitted 
to the Nevada Division of Wildlife in January 2004 (Green 2004). 
2.3.4 Executive Order 13112, Invasive Species 
Executive Order 13112 (64 FR 6183) was developed to prevent and control the introduction of 
invasive, nonnative species to minimize economic, ecological, and human-health impacts. 
Applicable portions of the Executive Order require the YMP to prevent the introduction of 
invasive species, monitor and control those species, restore native species, and exercise care 
when taking actions that could promote the introduction or spread of invasive species. 
In part to implement this Executive Order, disturbed sites are revegetated as soon as possible 
after decommissioning to reduce the time available for invasive plant species to become 
established. Native perennial species are seeded or planted during reclamation to reduce 
colonization of invasive plants. The abundance of nonnative species on reclaimed sites is then 
monitored periodically, and control efforts such as weeding and reseeding of native perennials 
may be implemented to reduce the abundance of invasive species. As mentioned in 
Section 3.3.3, 16 sites totaling 1.2 acres were reclaimed in 2003 and 94 previously reclaimed 
sites were monitored. 
2.4 CULTURAL RESOURCES 
The National Historic Preservation Act is the principal law regulating the protection of historic 
properties and cultural resources at Yucca Mountain. Others include the Archaeological 
Resources Protection Act of 1979; Antiquities Act of 1906; American Indian Religious Freedom 
Act, as amended; Native American Graves Protection and Repatriation Act; and 36 CFR Part 79. 
In addition, the YMP operates to Executive Order 11593 (36 FR 8921), Executive Order 13007 
(61 FR 26771), Executive Order 13084, (63 FR 27655), and the American Indian and Alaska 
Native Tribal Government Policy (DOE 2000). Many of these regulations address cultural 
values and beliefs of Native Americans, and protect and preserve their religious rights and 
practices. The goal of these laws is to ensure that historic properties and cultural and religious 
values are considered when planning and conducting federal activities, and to consult with 
Native Americans when appropriate. 
Compliance with most of these statutes, regulations, and executive orders is through DOE Policy 
141.1, 36 CFR 800, and the Programmatic Agreement Between the United States Department of 
Energy and the Advisory Council on Historic Preservation for the Nuclear Waste Deep Geologic 
Repository Program Yucca Mountain, Nevada (DOE 1988), which was executed between the 
DOE and the Advisory Council on Historic Preservation. The YMP provides all survey reports, 
data recovery plans, and annual reports to the State Historic Preservation Officer (SHPO) for 
comment and review. In 2003, representatives of the SHPO actively participated in oversight 
and review of the YMP program, commenting on numerous survey reports and participating in 
discussions of future work plans at Yucca Mountain. 
The Programmatic Agreement requires the YMP to develop and implement a comprehensive 
research plan for recovering, documenting, and interpreting data from historical properties. The 
Research Design and Data Recovery Plan for Yucca Mountain Project (DOE 1990) was developed and implemented to meet that requirement. Activities conducted in 2003 to 
implement that plan are described in Section 3.4.1. 
All personnel working at Yucca Mountain are informed of their responsibilities for protecting 
archaeological resources. That training is described in Section 3.11. 
To comply with the Programmatic Agreement, the ORD consults with certain Native American 
tribes and organizations regarding religious and cultural concerns about historical properties. 
The ORD conducts a Native American Interaction Program with 16 tribes and 1 Native 
American organization that have traditional ties to the Yucca Mountain area. Interactions 
conducted during 2003 are described in Section 3.4.3. 
Finally, the YMP provides the SHPO and the Advisory Council on Historic Preservation with 
regular reports concerning implementation of the YMP Cultural Resources Management 
Program. 
2.5 AIR QUALITY 
Activities affecting air quality at Yucca Mountain are regulated by the Clean Air Act of 1977, as 
amended. That act requires, among other things, compliance with national air-quality standards, 
permits for operating air pollution sources, and limits on emissions of certain hazardous air 
pollutants. 
40 CFR Part 63 did not apply to YMP activities conducted in 2003. These federal regulations set 
forth emission limits and other requirements for activities that generate emissions of certain 
types of hazardous air pollutants. No pollutants covered by these regulations have been emitted 
by YMP activities to date. 
The Nevada Division of Environmental Protection is responsible for implementing and enforcing 
most other requirements of the Clean Air Act of 1977 in Nevada. State regulations (NAC 445B) 
require an air-quality operating permit for large generators and other point sources of air 
pollution and for activities that are projected to disturb more than five acres. The ORD has held 
an operating permit for land disturbances since 1991 and has obtained permits, as needed, for the 
operation of generators and other emission sources. In mid-1995, the state consolidated those 
permits into a single Class-II air-quality operating permit (Johnson 1995). A new Class-II 
air-quality operating permit was issued to the Project on July 23, 2001 (Elges 2001). 
On December 8, 2003, the DOE submitted an Administrative Amendment to revise the mailing 
address for the Class II permit. On December 12, 2003, the state revised the permit to reflect the 
change in the mailing address (Regan 2003). 
Ten systems were permitted under the new air-quality operating permit (i.e., generators and other 
emission sources). As required, an annual report summarizing emissions during 2003 was 
submitted to the Nevada Division of Environmental Protection in February 2004 (Wade 2004b). 
Because of a reduction in site activities, no reportable air pollutants were emitted from the 
10 permitted systems during 2003. The maximum amount of air pollutants that is allowed under 
a Class II permit is 100 tons. The air-quality operating permit requires the YMP to control fugitive dust. This was done 
throughout 2003 by applying water to disturbed areas. In addition, disturbed areas no longer 
required for the YMP were reclaimed (Section 3.3). 
Before 1999, the air-quality operating permit stipulated that the DOE must sample ambient air 
for inhalable particulate matter 10 micrometers or less in diameter (known as PM10). Although 
no longer required by the permit, the YMP continues to monitor PM10 because of its importance 
in establishing trends and detecting changes in air quality. The number of monitoring sites 
remained at two during 2003. PM10 air-quality conditions had been adequately established at the 
discontinued site in Jackass Flats along Fortymile Wash near Well J-12. Section 3.5 describes 
that program and the results of monitoring in 2003. 
The Clean Air Act of 1977 also regulates the service, maintenance and repair, and disposal of 
appliances and air conditioning systems from motor vehicles that contain Class I and Class II 
ozone-depleting substances (40 CFR Part 82). YMP technicians who repair and service these 
systems are certified and follow procedures to minimize releases of ozone-depleting substances. 
2.6 WATER QUALITY AND AVAILABILITY 
2.6.1 Clean Water Act of 1977 
The Clean Water Act of 1977, as amended, establishes federal policy for restoring and 
maintaining the chemical, physical, and biological integrity of the nations waters. Regulations 
that implement the act address effluent discharges, water quality standards, and discharges of oil 
and hazardous substances into surface water. Only those parts of the act that regulate discharge 
of liquid effluents to the surface (including stormwater) and discharge of dredged or fill material 
were applicable to the YMP in 2003. 
Permits to discharge liquid effluents are issued under the National Pollutant Discharge 
Elimination System (40 CFR Part 122). Implementation and enforcement of this part of the 
Clean Water Act are delegated to the Nevada Division of Environmental Protection 
(NAC 445A). During 2003, the YMP operated under general discharge permits issued in 
May 1993 and September 2002 for stormwater discharges from construction sites 
(Brandmueller 1994; Lawson 2002) and in July 1995 for sanitary sewage discharges to a septic 
tank and leachfield (Saunders 1995). The septic tank permit expired in 1998, but the Nevada 
Division of Environmental Protection has stated that the permit will remain in effect until a new 
permit is issued. (This permit was renewed by State of Nevada on July 22, 2004, with an 
expiration date of July 22, 2009.) 
The Stormwater Pollution Prevention Plan was revised in late 2002 and early 2003 and became 
effective in March 2003. The Plan was revised to meet the requirements of the stormwater 
general permit received in 2002. 
Section 404 of the Clean Water Act of 1977 requires that a permit from the U.S. Army Corps of 
Engineers is required before placing dredged or fill materials into washes that are classified as 
waters of the United States (33 CFR Part 320). To ensure compliance with this requirement, all 
new surface-disturbing activities are evaluated as part of the land access process (Section 3.1). No activities were conducted in 2003 that required the placement of dredged or fill materials into 
washes that may be classified as waters of the United States. 
2.6.2 Safe Drinking Water Act, as Amended 
The Safe Drinking Water Act gives the EPA responsibility and authority to regulate public 
drinking water supplies. The EPA does this by establishing drinking water standards, delegating 
to states the authority for enforcing those standards, and protecting aquifers from such things as 
injection of wastes and other materials into wells. 
The Nevada Bureau of Health Protection Services, Division of Health, enforces drinking water 
standards (NAC 445A). The water supply system at Yucca Mountain is classified as a public 
water supply, and an annual permit to operate that system was first granted in April 1996. The 
permit is renewed annually (Nevada State Division of Health 2003). 
All drinking water for the site comes from Wells J-12 and J-13. In 2003, by agreement with the 
State of Nevada, water was pumped periodically from Wells J-12 and J-13 to replenish the water 
in the distribution system 
As required by the public water system permit, quarterly results of sampling for coliform 
bacteria were submitted to the state; all samples were negative. The results of annual sampling 
for nitrate and fluoride were submitted to the state in 2003. Sampling and other activities 
conducted during 2003 were summarized in an annual report submitted to the Nevada Division 
of Health in January 2004 (Wade 2004c). 
Another component of the Safe Drinking Water Act applicable to the YMP in 2003 was the 
underground-injection-control program (40 CFR Part 144). This program was established to 
prevent contamination of underground sources of drinking water from improper design, 
construction, and operation of injection wells. The State of Nevada has EPA-granted authority to 
administer this program (NAC 445A), which requires a permit before tracers can be injected into 
drill holes or used in infiltration studies. To comply with this program, the YMP has a permit 
issued by the Nevada Division of Environmental Protection (Land 1998). This permit authorizes 
(1) the injection of water and various tracers, including gas, into 103 boreholes; (2) discharges 
from the concrete batch plant to a lined pond; (3) discharges to an infiltration basin; and (4) the 
use of filtered waste water from the Exploratory Studies Facility for dust suppression. 
As required by the underground-injection-control permit, quarterly reports were submitted to the 
Nevada Division of Environmental Protection. These reports list the volume of fluid produced 
or discharged per month, the type, quantity, and concentration of tracer(s) injected per month; 
summaries of tracer tests; the results of chemical analyses from the oil-water separator, and the 
results of semiannual sampling of drinking water from Well J-13. An annual report summarizing 
all 2003 activities for this permit was submitted in January 2004 (Wade 2004d). 
The underground-injection-control permit expired on January 26, 2001. An application to renew 
the permit was submitted in 2000 (Wade 2000) and was deemed complete by the Nevada 
Division of Environmental Protection. As provided in Nevada regulations, the YMP will 
continue to operate legally under the expired permit until a new permit is issued. 2.6.3 Nevada Statutes for Appropriation of Public Waters 
Use of water in Nevada requires a permit from the Nevada State Engineer. The Nevada State 
Engineer reviews permit applications to determine whether the requested water is available at the 
source, whether the proposed use conflicts with existing water rights, and whether the proposed 
use threatens to prove detrimental to the public interest (Nevada Revised Statute 533). 
In March 1992, the Nevada State Engineer issued temporary water-appropriation permits to the 
DOE for up to 430 acre-feet per year from Wells J-12 and J-13 (Turnipseed 1992a, 1992b, 
1992c). On July 22, 1997, the DOE applied for permanent rights for this water to meet the 
DOEs responsibilities under the NWPA for possible construction and operation of a repository 
at Yucca Mountain. The DOEs application was denied on February 2, 2000, based on a finding 
by the State Engineer that the requested use threatened to prove detrimental to the public interest 
(Turnipseed 2000). In April 2002, the temporary permits for the 430 acre-feet per year expired. 
To avoid harming ongoing operations and scientific testing, the DOE and the State of Nevada 
entered into joint agreements in 2002 and 2003. The agreements allow the DOE to pump a 
specified amount of water per year for potable and non-potable purposes, including dust control, 
maintenance, and scientific testing. During 2003, the DOE pumped 1,557,200 gallons from 
these wells. Meanwhile, legal actions by the DOE are proceeding over the Nevada State 
Engineers denial of the DOEs water-appropriation request (see Section 2.9 for additional 
information). 
A permanent water-appropriation permit was issued to the DOE in October 1992 for Well VH-1 
for approximately 61 acre-feet per year (Turnipseed 1992d). During 2003, 84,905 gallons of 
water were pumped from Well VH-1 and used for dust control and reclamation. According to a 
stipulation in the Well VH-1 permit documentation; the DOE had 10 years to prove beneficial 
use of the water. On April 5, 2002, a Proof of Application of Water to Beneficial Use for 2.3 
acre-feet was submitted to the State Engineer (Wade 2002). To date, no response has been 
received from the State. 
2.6.4 Executive Order 11988, Floodplain Management 
Executive Order 11988 (42 FR 26951) requires that federal agencies develop regulations to 
evaluate the potential effects of their actions on flood hazards and floodplain management and 
avoid floodplain impacts to the extent practicable. The DOE has developed regulations to 
implement this Executive Order (10 CFR Part 1022). These regulations require a public notice 
of all activities that are proposed within a floodplain, an evaluation of practical alternatives and 
design changes, a floodplain assessment, and a published statement of findings. 
The DOE published a Notice of Floodplain/Wetlands Involvement for site characterization 
activities in 1989 (54 FR 6318). Two floodplain assessments for YMP activities at Yucca 
Mountain were then prepared (YMP 1991, 1992), and the associated statements-of-finding were 
published (56 FR 49765; 57 FR 48363). These actions meet the requirements of Executive 
Order 11988 (42 FR 26951) for all activities that occurred at Yucca Mountain during 2003. 
In June 1999, the DOE published 64 FR 31554 for activities associated with construction of a 
geologic repository at Yucca Mountain. A Floodplain/Wetlands Assessment for the Proposed Yucca Mountain Geologic Repository was included as Appendix L of the Final EIS 
(DOE 2002). 
2.6.5 Executive Order 11990, Protection of Wetlands 
Executive Order 11990 (42 FR 26961) requires federal agencies to develop regulations for 
considering wetlands protection during the decision-making process for their proposed actions. 
The DOEs regulations for implementing this Executive Order are at 10 CFR Part 1022. 
There are no wetlands at Yucca Mountain; therefore, the regulations in 10 CFR Part 1022 do not 
apply to site activities conducted during 2003. 
The DOE concluded in the Floodplain/Wetlands Assessment for the Proposed Yucca Mountain 
Geologic Repository (DOE 2002, Appendix L) that a wetlands assessment was not required for 
construction of a repository because there are no wetlands at Yucca Mountain. 
2.7 HAZARDOUS MATERIALS AND SOLID WASTES 
2.7.1 Federal Facility Compliance Act of 1992 
The Federal Facility Compliance Act of 1992 amends parts of the Resource Conservation and 
Recovery Act of 1976 (RCRA) to require compliance by federal facilities with federal, state, and 
local laws and regulations related to solid and hazardous wastes. In addition, the Federal Facility 
Compliance Act of 1992 waives the federal governments sovereign immunity for violations of 
federal, state, and local laws and regulations related to solid and hazardous wastes. The YMP 
complies with all applicable laws and regulations related to solid and hazardous wastes, as 
described in Section 2.7.4. 
2.7.2 Comprehensive Environmental Response, Compensation, and Liability Act of 1980 
The Comprehensive Environmental Response, Compensation, and Liability Act of 1980 provides 
a framework for the cleanup of sites containing hazardous wastes that present a substantial 
danger to the public. As amended in 1986, the Act also requires emergency notification and 
response for release of a hazardous substance that exceeds threshold quantities. Executive Order 
12580 (52 FR 2923) delegates to heads of executive departments and agencies the responsibility 
for undertaking remedial actions for releases or threatened releases that are not on the National 
Priority List. It also requires removal actions other than emergencies where the release is from 
any facility under the jurisdiction or control of executive departments and agencies. If a 
reportable quantity of a hazardous substance is released into the environment, the DOE will 
immediately notify the National Response Center and the State of Nevada and initiate clean-up 
activities. There were no releases in 2003 that exceeded reportable thresholds under either the 
Comprehensive Environmental Response, Compensation, and Liability Act or the State of 
Nevada requirements in NAC 445A. 
2.7.3 Emergency Planning and Community Right-to-Know Act of 1986 
The Emergency Planning and Community Right-to-Know Act (EPCRA) of 1986; NAC 477, and 
NAC 459 establish the planning, notification, permitting, and reporting requirements for hazardous substances and chemicals that are produced, used, stored, handled, transported, or 
released by the YMP. 
Sections 302, 311, and 312 of the EPCRA require, among other things, that the owner or 
operator of a facility report quantities stored, and releases of, specified chemicals to the State 
Emergency Response Commission, Local Emergency Planning Committee, and local fire 
departments with jurisdiction over a facility. Those sections also require that Material Safety 
Data Sheets be provided to those organizations. To meet those requirements, information on 
hazardous materials and chemicals at the YMP in 2003 is reported in the Nevada Combined 
Agency Hazmat Facility Report (Wade 2003b). This report is prepared annually in accordance 
with NAC 477 and submitted to the Nevada Office of the State Fire Marshal, Nevada State 
Emergency Response Commission, Nye County Local Emergency Planning Committees, and 
local fire protection services (Section 3.8). That report also serves as the application for renewal 
of the Nevada hazardous-materials storage permit. 
Section 304 of the EPCRA requires the owner of a facility that produces, uses, or stores a 
hazardous chemical to immediately notify the State Emergency Response Commission and the 
Local Emergency Planning Committee of a release of specified hazardous substances that is not 
federally permitted, exceeds the reportable quantity, and results in exposure to persons offsite. 
There were no releases of specified hazardous substances during 2003. 
Section 313 of the EPCRA requires certain owners or operators of facilities that manufacture, 
process, or otherwise use listed toxic chemicals in excess of established thresholds to submit 
annual reports on the amounts of those chemicals released into the environment. The YMP did 
not manufacture, process, or otherwise use any chemicals regulated under Section 313 of the 
EPCRA in excess of threshold quantities during 2003. 
2.7.4 Resource Conservation and Recovery Act of 1976 and Associated Regulations 
The RCRA is a comprehensive program for regulating and managing hazardous wastes 
(Subtitle C), nonhazardous solid wastes (Subtitle D), and underground storage tanks (Subtitle I), 
and promoting the use of recycled and recovered materials (Subtitle F). The RCRAs primary 
goals are to protect human health and the environment from the potential hazards of waste 
disposal, conserve energy and natural resources, reduce the amount of waste generated, and 
ensure that wastes are managed in an environmentally sound manner. The RCRA sets a federal 
policy of restricting land disposal of untreated hazardous wastes in favor of environmentally 
preferred alternatives such as treatment, source reductions, and recycling. Regulations 
promulgated under the RCRA define hazardous wastes and specify requirements for their 
transport, handling, treatment, storage, and disposal. Section 6001 of the RCRA requires federal 
agencies to comply with all federal, state, interstate, and local requirements relating to the 
control and abatement of solid- and hazardous-waste disposal. 
Subtitle CIn 1985, the EPA authorized Nevada to administer Subtitle C of the RCRA 
(managing hazardous waste). The Nevada Division of Environmental Protection is the agency 
responsible for administering this part of the RCRA (NAC 444). Activities at the Yucca 
Mountain site generate more than 220 pounds, but less than 2,204 pounds per month of 
RCRA-defined hazardous wastes; therefore, the site is regulated under the act as a small-quantity generator. The YMP submitted a Notification of Hazardous Waste Activity to the Nevada 
Division of Environmental Protection for the generation of hazardous waste at the Yucca 
Mountain site in 1989 and received EPA identification number NV7890090023. Activities at the 
YMPs Las Vegas office facilities generate less than 100 kilograms (220 pounds) per month of 
RCRA-defined hazardous wastes; therefore, the site is regulated under the act as a conditionally 
exempt small-quantity generator. 
State of Nevada regulations require small quantity generators to complete a biennial hazardous 
waste report. The report identifies the types and quantities of hazardous waste generated and 
transported offsite for treatment, storage, or disposal by the YMP and is used to track national 
trends in waste management practices. A biennial hazardous-waste report was submitted to the 
State of Nevada for waste management activities on the YMP during 2003 (Wade 2004e). 
Subtitle DNonhazardous solid waste is regulated by Nevada under Subtitle D of the RCRA 
(NAC 444). Refuse, along with salvageable, industrial, and special non-hazardous waste, were 
recycled or disposed of during 2003 in accordance with these regulations (Table 5, 
Section 3.8.2). 
Subtitle FSubtitle F of the RCRA requires that federal agencies comply with all federal, state, 
interstate, and local requirements stemming from the RCRA, unless exempted by the President. 
The YMP complies with the requirements of the RCRA as described above. Subtitle F also 
encourages the federal government to institute a procurement policy that encourages the 
purchase of recoverable materials, which, because of their performance, can be substituted for 
virgin material at a reasonable price. YMP compliance with the procurement policy is discussed 
in Section 3.8.3. 
Subtitle IManagement of the RCRA underground-storage-tank program has been delegated to 
Nevada (NAC 459). Because YMP activities do not require the use of underground storage 
tanks regulated by Subtitle I, this section is not applicable. 
2.7.5 Toxic Substances Control Act 
The Toxic Substances Control Act of 1977 authorizes the EPA to require testing of new 
chemical substances that enter the environment and to regulate those chemicals when necessary. 
This act complements and expands existing toxic substance laws such as Section 112 of the 
Clean Air Act and Section 307 of the Clean Water Act of 1977. This act also regulates certain 
toxic substances, specifically polychlorinated biphenyls, chlorofluorocarbons, asbestos, dioxins, 
certain metal-working fluids, and hexavalent chromium. In 2003, there were no YMP activities 
subject to this act. 
2.7.6 Federal Insecticide, Fungicide, and Rodenticide Act 
The Federal Insecticide, Fungicide, and Rodenticide Act require that all pesticides used in the 
United States be submitted for registration by the EPA. To be approved for registration, the 
active ingredients in pesticides must meet criteria regarding the quantity, quality, and impact 
upon the environment. No manufacturer or importer may make or sell a product for use to 
control pests unless the compound is registered with the EPA. Pesticide applications for the 
YMP site are performed by the Management and Operating contractor for the Nevada Test Site. 2.8 DOE DIRECTIVES 
The following DOE Directives were directly applicable to the environmental program conducted 
by the ORD during 2003. 
DOE Notice 231.1 sets forth the requirements and responsibilities for DOE elements to prepare 
annual summary reports for the Secretary of Energy on the results of Environmental, Safety and 
Health (ES&H) assessments conducted in the previous year. This Notice also implements the 
revised requirements of 29 CFR Part 1904, Recording and Reporting Occupational Injuries and 
Illnesses, to ensure the collection and reporting of occupational injury and illness information 
required by law or essential for evaluating DOE operations. 
DOE Order 231.1A establishes requirements to ensure that ES&H information required by law 
or regulation, or essential for evaluating operations and identifying opportunities for 
improvements, is collected and reported. This site environmental report and an annual NEPA 
planning summary (Section 2.1.2) are the reporting requirements of this Order that are applicable 
to the YMP environmental program. 
DOE Order 450.1 implements sound stewardship practices that protect the air, water, land, and 
other natural and cultural resources affected by DOE operations. It also requires DOE to meet or 
exceed compliance with applicable environmental; public health; and resource protection laws, 
regulations, and DOE requirements in a cost-effective manner. These objectives must be 
accomplished by implementing EMSs at DOE sites. An EMS is a continuing cycle of planning, 
implementing, evaluating, and improving processes and actions undertaken to achieve 
environmental goals. These EMSs must be part of ISMSs established pursuant to DOE 
Policy 450.4. 
DOE Order 451.1B describes DOEs requirements and responsibilities for implementing the 
NEPA, the Council on Environmental Quality Regulations Implementing the Procedural 
Provisions of the NEPA (40 CFR Parts 1500-1508), and the DOE NEPA Implementing 
Procedures (10 CFR Part 1021). Section 2.1.2 includes a summary of actions taken by the ORD 
to comply with the NEPA and this Order. 
DOE Order 5400.5 establishes limits and requirements for a variety of scenarios involving 
potential exposure to radiation. Also covered are the radiological monitoring requirements for 
the sale or release of equipment or material potentially contaminated by radiation. Project 
equipment that was historically transferred from the Nevada Test Site or other DOE sites with no 
documented radiation survey, and which is scheduled for release to the general public, is 
surveyed in accordance with this Order. The Project does not release any item having levels of 
residual radioactive contamination greater than those listed in this Order and no radioactive items 
were released in 2003. Consequently, the requirement in the guidelines for the preparation of 
site environmental reports (Wallo 2004) to discuss approved release limits, dose estimates, 
radionuclide concentrations, and expected end-use scenarios are not applicable. 
DOE Order 5480.4 specifies requirements for mandatory ES&H standards applicable to all DOE 
and DOE-contractor operations, lists reference ES&H standards, and identifies the sources of the mandatory environmental standards. The mandatory standards listed in this Order that were 
applicable to the YMP during 2003 are the laws and regulations described in this section. 
DOE Policy 450.4 describes objectives, guiding principles, and core functions of an ISMS to be 
implemented throughout the DOE complex. DOE acquisition regulations (48 CFR Part 970) 
require contractors to manage and perform work in accordance with a documented ISMS. BSC 
documents its processes and mechanisms for implementing ISMS in an Integrated Safety 
Management description document that is updated annually and submitted to DOE per 
contractual requirement (Anderson 2003). That document describes the successful 
implementation of ISMS objectives throughout BSC operations and includes the results of a 
review conducted in 2003 by BSC senior managers and DOE representatives to evaluate BSC 
compliance with these objectives. DOE accepted the updated description document to indicate 
approval of BSCs ISMS program implementation. 
DOE Policy 450.5 is for line-management oversight of ES&H and for the use of contractor 
self-assessment programs to implement that oversight. Section 3.9 describes the YMP 
environmental assessment program. 
2.9 PERMIT-ASSOCIATED LITIGATION 
In February 2000, the Nevada State Engineer denied DOEs water-appropriation request for 
permanent rights to 430 acre-feet per year for use at Yucca Mountain (Turnipseed 2000). 
Shortly thereafter, the DOE filed a suit to overturn the State Engineers ruling. In September 
2000, the U.S. District Court granted the States motions to dismiss the DOEs suit. The DOE 
appealed, and in October 2001, the Ninth U.S. Circuit Court of Appeals ordered a federal judge 
to hear the DOEs suit. 
While this court case proceeded, the DOE filed a separate Motion in April of 2002 in U.S. 
District Court to ensure continued access to water at Yucca Mountain. The Court denied DOEs 
Motion based on a finding that DOE had failed to show irreparable harm at that point. In 
December 2002, the DOE filed a Renewed Motion to stop the State of Nevada from interfering 
with the DOE's effort to replenish the potable water supply at Yucca Mountain. In 
December 2002, the State of Nevada and the DOE agreed to a joint stipulation that allowed DOE 
to re-supply the potable water-storage tanks at Yucca Mountain, as needed. 
In July 2003, the State of Nevada agreed to let the DOE pump water from Wells J-12 and J-13 
for non-potable purposes, including dust suppression and continuing scientific studies. In 
November 2003, the State Engineer again denied DOEs water-appropriation request for 
430 acre-feet per year for use at Yucca Mountain (Ricci 2003). In December 2003, the DOE 
appealed the State Engineers ruling. 
The DOE continues to pursue the water-appropriation request to obtain permanent rights to 
430 acre-feet per year for use at Yucca Mountain.
3. ENVIRONMENTAL PROGRAMS 
This section describes the environmental program conducted during 2003 to implement the 
requirements of the environmental permits described in Section 2, monitor impacts of the 
Project, and protect the environment at Yucca Mountain. The organization, responsibilities, and 
requirements of this program are described in the Environmental Management Plan 
(YMP 2000a). 
All aspects of the YMP environmental program are conducted in accordance with the YMP 
ISMS. During the planning stage for all Project activities, potential impacts to the environment 
are identified and measures to mitigate those impacts are developed. These measures, including 
clear roles and responsibilities for conducting work and ensuring compliance, as well as 
environmental training, are incorporated into written procedures (i.e., work instructions) that 
describe how the work must be conducted. For maintenance and other ongoing projects, 
environmental review is conducted during planning and development of work instructions. For 
new activities at Yucca Mountain, a review also occurs as part of the land-access review and 
control process (Section 3.1). Assessments (Section 3.9) and surveillances (Section 3.10) are 
conducted to ensure that work is performed within controls and to provide feedback for 
improvement. 
3.1 LAND-ACCESS REVIEW AND CONTROL 
All new YMP activities, as well as all ongoing activities that are to be substantially modified or 
require access to additional land, must undergo a review before implementation. This process is 
initiated when principal investigators or responsible managers submit a land access request. The 
request is evaluated to determine whether the activity (1) is covered under existing ROWRs; 
(2) will result in land use conflicts; (3) will be in compliance with applicable federal, state, and 
local environmental laws and regulations; (4) will require any new regulated, hazardous 
materials; and (5) will require additional environmental permits or modifications to existing 
permits. If new permits are required, they are applied for at this time. Reviews or pre-activity 
surveys for biological and cultural resources (Sections 3.2 and 3.4) are conducted to identify 
potential impacts to those resources and prepare for future reclamation. Surveys for radiological 
hazards and residual radiological contamination also are conducted for activities planned in 
suspected areas on the Nevada Test Site. 
If the activity can be conducted in compliance with environmental regulations and is acceptable 
to the ORD, a land-access approval letter is issued. The letter contains permit requirements and 
other stipulations that must be incorporated into planning and implementation procedures as part 
of the YMP ISMS. 
Clearance surveys for tortoises are conducted before the start of any groundbreaking activity that 
requires the removal of vegetation (Section 3.2). If available, topsoil is then removed and stored 
onsite or at one of the Projects existing topsoil stockpiles. During activities, surveillances are 
conducted to evaluate compliance with environmental stipulations (Section 3.10). After 
activities are completed, the amount of land disturbed is measured to track compliance with the 
biological opinion for the YMP (Buchanan 1997). If the site is no longer to be used, a 
reclamation plan is developed (Section 3.3). During 2003, 20 land access requests were received by BSC/Environmental Compliance. Ten of 
the requests were determined not to fall under AP-EM-002, Land Access and Environmental 
Compliance since they were either maintenance activities taking place in previously disturbed 
areas or a test planned in a Nevada Test Site building and did not require any permits. Ten land 
access requests required a complete evaluation and DOE approval, because of the work scope 
and potential impacts. Of these ten activities requiring DOE approval, seven were given 
complete approval, two were partially approved, and one was on hold due to a lack of funding. 
Biological evaluations, which included six field surveys, were conducted for all 10 activities. 
Archaeological evaluations, which included seven field surveys, were conducted for nine sites 
(one site had been surveyed previously). No environmental permits were required for any of 
these activities. 
No land was cleared of vegetation or soil in 2003. The amount of land disturbed by the Project 
since 1991 remains 319 acres. This is 95 acres less than the total of 414 acres stipulated in the 
biological opinion for the YMP (Buchanan 1997). Of the 319 acres disturbed since 1991, 
271 acres were disturbed before 1996. The amount of land disturbed per year generally has 
decreased over the past few years, with 12.4, 5.9, 2.0, 0.0, 0.4, and 0.0 acres disturbed from 1998 
through 2003, respectively. 
3.2 BIOLOGICAL SURVEYS 
Biological surveys are conducted to comply with the Endangered Species Act of 1973 
(Section 2.3.1); the Migratory Bird Treaty Act (Section 2.3.2); Section 404 of the Clean Water 
Act of 1977 (Section 2.6.1), and to develop methods for minimizing the impacts of YMP 
activities on plants and animals. 
The biological opinion for the YMP (Buchanan 1997) requires pre-activity surveys for desert 
tortoises prior to clearing vegetation. During those surveys, biologists evaluate potential impacts 
to tortoises from the proposed activity and, if necessary, identify ways to modify the activity to 
avoid harming tortoises and their burrows. Project biologists also evaluate potential impacts to 
migratory birds and other plant and animal species classified as sensitive by the BLM (or other 
land management agencies). In addition, biologists determine whether activities will need a 
permit to place dredged or fill material into waters of the United States. The biological opinion 
also requires clearance surveys to move tortoises or tortoise nests if they are in danger. Those 
surveys must be conducted before ground-disturbing activities, off-road driving, or trench filling 
can commence. 
Pre-activity and clearance surveys were conducted for six activities in 2003: 
 Installation of barriers along the crest of Yucca Mountain 
 Boreholes to investigate magnetic anomalies 
 Repair of erosion damage at the South Portal 
 Removal of six radiological monitoring stations 
 Removal of equipment from Fran Ridge 
 Reclamation and remediation of disturbed sites. Approximately 16 acres were surveyed. A partially collapsed tortoise burrow was found during 
the clearance survey of a trench being reclaimed. The burrow was avoided during reclamation. 
One inactive tortoise burrow was found during the pre-activity survey for a magnetic anomaly 
borehole. That burrow will be avoided during borehole drilling scheduled during 2004. None of 
these or other activities conducted at Yucca Mountain during 2003 required placement of fill 
material into waters of the United States. 
3.3 HABITAT RECLAMATION 
Habitat is reclaimed for a variety of reasons: 
 Comply with the terms and conditions of the biological opinion for site characterization 
(Buchanan 1997) 
 Meet requirements in the Projects ROWRs (e.g., BLM 1988, 1989) 
 Implement requirements in the Projects air-quality operating permit (Elges 2001) 
 Reduce the spread of exotic plant species as required by Executive Order 13112 
(64 FR 6183 [Section 2.3.4]) 
 Implement commitments in the environmental assessment for site characterization 
(DOE 1986, Sections 4.1.1.4 and 4.1.2.6) 
 Minimize impacts of site characterization, as required by Section 113 of the NWPA 
(Section 2.1.1). 
Reclamation is conducted in accordance with the Reclamation Implementation Plan 
(YMP 2001a). The long-term goal of the reclamation program is to reestablish processes on 
disturbed sites that will eventually lead to self-sustaining plant communities. Planning 
inventories, reclamation surveys, implementation, monitoring, remediation, and site-release 
evaluations are conducted to accomplish this goal. The planning process includes pre- and 
post-disturbance surveys and evaluations of past reclamation trials at Yucca Mountain. This 
information is used to identify implementation techniques for establishing structural and physical 
components, controlling soil erosion, and facilitating establishment of native vegetation. After 
implementation, monitoring is conducted to evaluate plant growth, identify remediation needs, 
and make final determinations regarding reclamation success so that sites can be released from 
further DOE input. 
3.3.1. Reclamation Inventories 
Reclamation inventories are conducted to identify methods for reducing the impact of 
construction activities and to assess site conditions and resources for final reclamation. 
Vegetation associations, plant species and their abundance, and the presence of exotic species are 
measured during these inventories. Stipulations may be developed for depth and location of 
topsoil stockpiles, chemical or vegetative stabilization of stockpiles, plant salvage, and practices 
to reduce wind or water erosion. Stipulations from the inventories are incorporated into approval 
letters for land access. During 2003, reclamation inventories were conducted at seven planned borehole sites that will be 
used to investigate magnetic anomalies in Crater Flat and Amargosa Valley. These boreholes are 
scheduled to be drilled in 2004. 
3.3.2 Reclamation Surveys 
Reclamation surveys are conducted to assess reclamation requirements at disturbed areas no 
longer needed for the YMP. Survey information is gathered on slope, aspect, disturbance area, 
disturbance severity, site preparation needs for revegetation, and intensity of reclamation 
required. Based on this information, a final reclamation plan is written, which describes the 
actions needed for site preparation and reclamation. Site decommissioning is completed before 
reclamation, including removing waste and aboveground man-made structures, filling trenches, 
and closing and sealing boreholes. 
In 2003, reclamation surveys were conducted at six sites where radiological monitoring stations 
were scheduled to be removed and at Fran Ridge where equipment was scheduled to be removed. 
For both these activities, no topsoil was removed and reclamation was not required. 
3.3.3 Reclamation Implementation 
Reclamation is considered short-term when topsoil that is removed from disturbed sites is 
stockpiled for less than one year, and trenches or pits are backfilled outside of the usual planting 
season (October through December). Chemical stabilization of surface soil is commonly used in 
these circumstances. Final reclamation is implemented on long-term topsoil stockpiles and on 
sites that are no longer needed for the YMP and have been decommissioned. Final reclamation 
includes spreading and contouring topsoil, creating erosion-control structures, ripping, seeding, 
spreading and anchoring mulch, and fencing to exclude grazers. 
Final reclamation was completed at 16 sites in 2003. These sites totaled 1.2 acres. Sites were 
seeded in January with a mixture of native plant species. After seeding, all sites were mulched 
with straw, which was anchored to the soil with a chemical tackifier (a binding agent mixed with 
wood fiber and water used to hold seed and straw in place). All 16 seismic-borehole sites are on 
the Nevada Test Site. To date, final reclamation has been implemented on 257 former YMP 
disturbances totaling 88.4 acres. 
3.3.4 Reclamation Monitoring and Remediation 
To evaluate reclamation progress, sites are monitored periodically. If progress is not 
satisfactory, remediation is conducted (e.g., re-seeding, transplanting, erosion control efforts). 
During the summer of 2003, 94 reclaimed sites were monitored, including soil pits, trenches, 
boreholes, and access roads. Twenty percent of the sites were in good condition, 37 percent 
were in fair condition, 23 percent were in failing condition, and 20 percent were not assigned a 
rating because plant density was too low. Germination on unrated sites was probably poor 
because the sites were recently seeded or because of dry soil conditions; germination is expected 
when soil conditions become more favorable. Sites in failing condition were generally those that 
had been reclaimed in 2000 or 2001, and germination had not yet occurred. During 2003, 273 plants of three species (Coleogyne ramosissima [blackbrush], Larrea 
tridentata [creosotebush], and Salazaria mexicana [Mexican bladdersage]) were transplanted 
onto four sites to increase plant density, cover, and diversity. These species were selected 
because they did not establish very well from seed or seed was not available commercially. 
Remediation was conducted on two previously reclaimed trenches in 2003 (UE-25 MWV-TR #4 
and USW TR-2). USW TR-2 was originally reclaimed in 1999, but supported few native 
perennial species and was heavily infested with exotic annuals (Salsola tragus [Russian thistle] 
and Bromus rubens [red brome]). Approximately 30 cubic yards of topsoil were imported to this 
site and spread with a road grader. UE-25 MWV-TR #4 was also reclaimed in 1999, but only a 
few plants had become established. This trench was also infested with Salsola tragus and 
Bromus rubens. Both sites were ripped and reseeded. The surfaces were hand raked to cover the 
seed and mulched with wheat straw. The straw was tackified to the soil surface with a mixture 
of M-binder organic tackifier, wood fiber and water. Approximately 1.1 acres were remediated. 
Vegetation cover and soil erosion were monitored on 40 topsoil stockpiles. No action was 
required to maintain these stockpiles. Soil from these stockpiles will be respread over sites 
during final reclamation. 
Standards used to determine the success of reclamation are contained in the Reclamation 
Implementation Plan (YMP 2001a, Section 6.1). In general, reclamation is considered 
successful if plant cover, density, and species richness of native perennial vegetation are equal 
to, or exceed, 60 percent of the value of the same parameters in undisturbed reference areas. 
If the sites meet these criteria, they can be released from further monitoring. During 2003, eight 
large sites (>0.25 acres) totaling 3.4 acres and 35 small sites (<0.25 acres) totaling 1.9 acres met 
the success standards for release. Two reports (one for the 35 small sites and one for the eight 
large sites) summarizing the monitoring results will be prepared in 2004. To date, 98 disturbed 
sites totaling 19.8 acres have been successfully reclaimed and released from monitoring. 
3.4 CULTURAL RESOURCES AND NATIVE AMERICAN INTERACTIONS 
Surveys for archeological resources, educational initiatives, and interactions with Native 
Americans were conducted to meet the requirements of the laws and regulations described in 
Section 2.4. 
3.4.1 Survey, Data Recovery, and Research 
The YMP conducts pre-activity surveys for cultural resources before sites are disturbed. Survey 
activities, findings, and related data-recovery efforts are reported to various state and federal 
agencies. In addition, the condition of known archaeological sites is monitored periodically, and 
research is conducted in accordance with the Research Design and Data Recovery Plan for 
Yucca Mountain Project (DOE 1990). Artifact inventories are submitted to the U.S. Department 
of the Interior in compliance with reporting requirements of the Native American Graves 
Protection and Repatriation Act. Artifacts are maintained in a curation facility in Las Vegas, 
Nevada, in accordance with 36 CFR Part 79 and stipulations of the Programmatic Agreement. 
Seven archaeological pre-activity field surveys were conducted during 2003 in areas proposed 
for site activities. One new archaeological site and nine isolated artifacts were identified during those surveys. One survey report was submitted to the SHPO and the Advisory Council on 
Historic Preservation, while two reconnaissance reports on cultural resources were submitted to 
the BLM. Several other reports were prepared for ORD review prior to submittal to the SHPO 
and the Advisory Council on Historic Preservation. Conditions at five previously documented 
historical properties at Yucca Mountain were evaluated, and no major disturbances were noted at 
these sites. 
No new mitigative data-recovery plans were developed during 2003. Analysis of artifacts was 
accomplished for artifacts collected in 2002 from site 26NY7869. A draft report of this 
evaluation and data-recovery effort was completed and submitted to DOE for review and 
comment. The final version of this report will be issued in 2004. 
3.4.2 Educational Initiatives 
The Project has developed educational displays to inform YMP workers and the public about the 
YMP archaeological program and the kinds of historical properties at the site. These displays are 
located at the Yucca Mountain Science Centers in Las Vegas, Beatty, and Pahrump, and at the 
Exploratory Studies Facility at Yucca Mountain for use during public tours. Items displayed 
include maps of southern Nevada depicting areas historically occupied by various tribes; 
biographical sketches of local Native Americans; artifacts and written explanations of their 
manufacture; examples of basket weaving and animal traps; traditional stories about plants and 
animals; and descriptions of plants as religious objects and sources of food, clothing, and 
medicine. A portable display and slide show has been developed for other presentations. 
3.4.3 Native American Interactions 
The ORD continued interactions with involved Native American tribes in 2003, as directed by 
the laws and regulations summarized in Section 2.4. Currently, the YMP Native American 
Interaction Program involves 17 concerned tribes and organizations (comprised of Western 
Shoshone, Southern Paiute, and Owens Valley Paiute and Shoshone) located in Nevada, 
California, Utah, and Arizona. 
During 2003, the DOE tribal liaison continued to work to become familiar with the tribes and 
Native American issues associated with the YMP Native American Interaction Program. 
Support was given to DOE headquarters throughout the year to insure continued implementation 
of the DOE American Indian and Alaska Native Tribal Government Policy. In addition, the 
DOE sponsored educational workshops, speaking engagements, and site tours at which the YMP 
Native American program was explained to the public. 
The ORD has a standing offer to continue consultations required by the Native American Graves 
Protection and Repatriation Act with any tribe that was not able to participate during the 
1998/1999-consultation process. To date, the DOE has not received any additional requests for 
consultation, or any formal requests for repatriation of artifacts that meet the criteria of the 
Native American Graves Protection and Repatriation Act. 3.5 AIR QUALITY 
Ambient air-particulate matter has been sampled as part of the environmental monitoring 
program since 1989, using standard regulatory agency methods. From 1991 to 1999, the 
Projects air-quality operating permit stipulated that DOE must measure PM10-inhalable 
particulate matter 10 micrometers or less in diameter at Yucca Mountain. Monitoring has 
continued since then to demonstrate continued compliance with federal (40 CFR Part 50) and 
Nevada (NAC 445B) ambient air-quality standards. 
Air quality was monitored at two sites during 2003. Site 1 is in Midway Valley near the 
Exploratory Studies Facility (Figure 3); it represents conditions near most of the 
surface-disturbing activity at Yucca Mountain. Site 9 is at Gate 510 on the Nevada Test Site 
about 13 miles south of the Exploratory Studies Facility. This site, located near the community 
of Amargosa Valley, is used as an indicator of ambient air quality. Two PM10 samplers were 
operated simultaneously at Site 1 to assess the precision of measurements for quality assurance 
requirements. PM10 has been sampled at Site 1 since April 1989 and at Site 9 since 
October 1992. 
Twenty-four-hour sampling was scheduled every sixth day during 2003, as in previous years. 
Sites 1 and 9 had valid sampling results for 59 and 58 days, respectively, out of 61 possible 
scheduled days. The sampling and analysis program was performed in accordance with EPA and 
Nevada standards, monitoring requirements, and guidance. 
Concentrations of airborne particulate matter were generally low in 2003, though a few days 
were affected by wildfires as in past years. Summaries of the last five years of sampling are 
shown in Table 2. The highest 24-hour concentrations of PM10 in 2003 at Sites 1 and 9 were 
33 and 38 micrograms per standard cubic meter (g/m3), respectively. The highest sample at 
Site 1 and the second highest at Site 9 were taken on October 30, when wildfires were burning in 
the region. All measurements in 2003 were much lower than the maximum allowable 24-hour 
concentration of 150 g/m3. Arithmetic mean concentrations were 8 and 10 g/m3 at Sites 1 
and 9, respectively, which are about 80 percent lower than the maximum allowable annual 
arithmetic mean of 50 g/m3. These annual average concentrations are similar to those from 
previous years (Table 2). Table 2. Summary of Ambient Particulate Matter PM10 Sampling, 1999 through 2003 (g/m3) 
Site 1999 2000 2001 2002 2003 
Highest 24-hour average 
1 18 38 19 52 33 
9 18 36 22 43 38 
Second-highest 24-hour average 
1 18 34 18 37 17 
9 17 19 39 35 39 
Arithmetic mean of 24-hour average 
1 8 11 8 10 8 
9 11 9 10 9 11 
3.6 METEOROLOGICAL MONITORING 
Local meteorology has been monitored at Yucca Mountain since 1986 to characterize 
environmental conditions, study mechanisms of airborne transport of contaminated materials, 
and provide input to the design of surface facilities (per the data-collection requirements of DOE 
2003). 
Meteorological parameters, including wind, temperature, humidity, precipitation, barometric 
pressure, and atmospheric stability, were measured at four sites during 2003 (Sites 1, 2, 4, and 9) 
(Figure 3). Precipitation, air temperature, and humidity were measured at five other sites 
(Sites 3, 5, 6, 7, 8) around Midway Valley and in Jackass Flats. Rain and snow also were 
measured at three other locations (Sites 401, 405, and 415) on the crest of Yucca Mountain. 
Precipitation during 2003 was about one-third more than the average from 1996 through 2003 
(Table 3). Averages from both the last five years (1999-2003) and the average from the eight 
full years of measurements (1996-2003) are shown in Table 3. The year 2003 was the 
third-wettest since 1996, following the driest year during this period in 2002. Precipitation 
varies among sites, with Sites 5 and 9 in Jackass Flats and Amargosa Valley having the least 
amount each year, and Sites 3 and 6 on the east and north sides of Yucca Mountain generally 
having the greatest average amounts. Figure 3. Air Quality and Meteorology-Monitoring Sites Table 3. Annual Precipitation at Meteorological Sites, 1999 through 2003 
Precipitation (inches) 
Site 
Elevation 
(feet) 1999 2000 2001 2002 2003 
Average 
99-03 
Average 
96-03 
1 3,750 7.22 9.69 7.07 1.56 9.74 7.06 7.64 
2 4,849 5.72 8.73 7.82 1.26 10.94 6.89 7.27 
3 4,196 7.15 10.26 8.63 1.33 11.62 7.80 8.30 
4 4,049 8.18 8.61 7.31 1.31 9.01 6.88 7.33 
5 3,127 3.40 5.36 5.03 1.32 8.44 4.71 5.55 
6 4,315 5.29 10.70 8.83 1.16 8.95 6.99 8.04 
7 3,547 7.92 9.91 6.74 1.26 9.50 7.07 7.54 
8 3,711 6.31 9.71 6.87 1.06 10.00 6.79 7.30 
9 2,749 2.59 4.09 4.51 0.74 6.03 3.59 4.21 
401 5,125 4.81 9.65 8.10 1.20 8.86 6.52  
405 4,882 6.32 8.31 5.96 0.99 8.34 5.98  
415 4,725 5.64 7.36 6.26 1.11 9.12 5.90  
3.7 WATER MONITORING 
Groundwater levels and spring flows in the Yucca Mountain region have been monitored for the 
YMP since 1992. The monitoring is designed to detect and document background fluctuations in 
regional groundwater levels and spring flows, and to identify potential effects of groundwater 
withdrawals from YMP-permitted wells on regional groundwater levels and spring flows. 
Because the YMP does not release effluents into groundwater or otherwise affect the quality of 
that water, water quality is monitored only to meet permit requirements described in Section 2.6. 
During 2003, groundwater levels and spring flows were monitored at 34 wells, one flowing well, 
and 5 springs (Figure 4). Water levels were measured monthly at wells, and discharge rates at 
springs were measured quarterly. Annual estimates of groundwater withdrawals were obtained 
primarily from the U.S. Geological Survey and the Nevada Division of Water Resources. Source: Modified from DOE 1999 
Figure 4. Groundwater Monitoring Wells and Springs The potential effects of water withdrawals from YMP wells are assessed by comparing current 
conditions to historical and baseline conditions. Additionally, measurements of spring flow 
provide data on the status of water availability in environmentally sensitive areas of Ash 
Meadows, Devils Hole, and Death Valley. Results of this monitoring program through 2000 are 
described in Fenelon and Moreo (2002). That report analyzed YMP water-monitoring data and 
other regional data for trends or fluctuations in water levels and discharge. The analysis showed 
that between 1992 and 2000, water levels in Jackass Flats, where YMP withdraws the majority 
of its water, either had slight upward trends or were unchanged. Changes in groundwater levels 
and spring flows elsewhere in the region were attributed to factors such as climatic change, local 
and regional groundwater withdrawals, and earthquakes (Fenelon and Moreo 2002). YMP 
groundwater withdrawals had no measurable effect on regional groundwater levels or spring 
flows. Recent groundwater-level data for wells in Jackass Flats are compared to established 
baseline data in Table 4. 
Table 4. Water Level Altitudes in Wells in Jackass Flats (in feet) 
2003a Previous Years  Median Value 
Well Min Max Median 2002b 2001b 2000b 1999b Baselinec 
JF-1 2393.1 2393.5 2393.3 2393.1 2393.1 2392.8 2392.7 2392.5 
JF-2 2392.6 2392.8 2392.7 2392.1 2392.8 2392.7 2392.5 2392.1 
JF-2a 2470.9 2473.0 2471.9 2470.8 2471.0 2470.6 2470.2 2468.6 
J-13 2390.5 2390.9 2390.8 2389.7 2390.5 2390.2 2390.0 2390.0 
J-11 2402.4 2402.8 2402.6 2402.3 2402.7 2402.4 2402.4 2402.2 
J-12 2388.6 2388.9 2388.8 2388.6 2388.5 2388.4 2388.3 2388.3 
JF-3 2388.5 2388.9 2388.7 2388.5 2388.5 2388.4 2388.2 2388.3 
a Wade 2003c; Wade 2003d; Wade 2003e; Wade 2004f 
b See previous Site Environmental Reports (YMP 2003; YMP 2002; YMP 2001b; YMP 2000b) 
c Locke 2001. Table 10 (baseline years are 1985-1991 for JF-2, JF-2, and JF-2a; 1989-1991 for J-13; 1990-1991 for 
J-1 and J-12; and 1992-1993 for J-3) 
Well JF-3 was installed in 1992 and has been routinely measured since then to monitor the 
effects of groundwater withdrawals from Wells J-12 and J-13 (Figure 4). The depth to water in 
Well JF-3 and most other YMP monitoring and water-supply wells in Basin 227A (Wells J-11, 
J-12, J-13, JF-1, and JF-2) was slightly higher in 2003 than baseline water levels (Table 4). The 
increase in median water levels from 2002 median levels ranges from 0.2 feet in Wells JF-1, 
J-12, and JF-3 to 1.1 feet in Wells JF-2a and J-13. Prior to April 2002, Well J-13 was the 
primary water supply well at Yucca Mountain (see Section 2.9 for additional information). Since 
April 2002, water withdrawals from this well decreased from about 40 acre-feet per year to about 
four acre-feet per year. The increase in the median water levels for Well J-13 in 2003 may be a 
response to the reduction in pumping. 
3.8 HAZARDOUS MATERIALS MANAGEMENT AND POLLUTION PREVENTION 
3.8.1 Hazardous Materials 
To minimize the potential hazards of chemicals to personnel and the environment, a review of 
each hazardous material is required before purchase by, or use on, the Project. To initiate this 
review, a request for authorization must be submitted before any hazardous material is purchased. The request is then reviewed, along with associated Material Safety Data Sheets and 
chemical databases, to identify requirements, potential environmental hazards, and health and 
safety risks. When reasonable, suitable substitutes are discussed with the requester. If no 
substitute is available, authorization to use the material may be denied, or requirements are 
developed for use of the material to minimize risks (e.g., storage methods, personal protective 
equipment and handling requirements, training, spill prevention methods, and waste disposal). 
All chemicals stored at Yucca Mountain and other sites operated by the Project are inventoried 
and tracked. This information is used to comply with the requirements of EPCRA and Nevada 
regulations (Sections 2.7.3 and 2.7.4). 
3.8.2 Waste Management 
Hazardous and Universal WastesTo meet the requirements of the RCRA (Section 2.7.4), all 
hazardous and universal wastes are accumulated, packaged, transported, and disposed of offsite 
in accordance with federal and state requirements (Section 2.7.4). These wastes were generated 
from sources such as laboratory studies, routine cleaning and maintenance, construction, and 
excess supplies from discontinued equipment. There were two offsite shipments of these wastes 
during 2003. 
Nonhazardous WasteDuring 2003, refuse, industrial, salvageable, and other non-hazardous 
waste were recycled, reused, or disposed of (Table 5) in accordance with federal and state 
requirements (Section 2.7.4). As part of the YMP pollution-prevention program (Section 3.8.3), 
efforts were made to recycle rather than dispose of waste whenever possible. 
Table 5. Types and Amounts of Wastes Recycled, Reused, or Disposed of in 2003 
Material Method Amounta 
Debris (hydrocarbon-contaminated) Disposed 24 metric tons 
Industrial solid waste Disposed 11.4 metric tons 
Refuse (Las Vegas) Disposed 663 metric tons 
Refuse (Site) Disposed 10 tons 
Tires (non-recyclable) Disposed 0 
Aluminum cans Recycled 0.75 metric tons 
Antifreeze Recycled 228 gal 
Cardboard Recycled 2 metric tons 
Copy machine and printer toner cartridges Recycled 1.56 metric tons 
Table 5. Types and Amounts of Wastes Recycled, Reused, or Disposed of in 2003 (Continued) 
Material Method Amounta 
Ferrous and non-ferrous metals (does not include aluminum cans) Recycled 1789 metric tons 
Lead-acid batteries Recycled 5.3 metric tons 
Paper Recycled 336 metric tons 
Soil (hydrocarbon-contaminated) Recycled 24 yd3 
Tires (truck and heavy-equipment) Recycled 100 to 125 tires 
Used oil from equipment maintenance Recycled 2900 gal 
Used oil from oil/water separator Recycled 25 gal 
Used oil total Recycled 2925 gal 
Used computersb Recycled 14 metric tons 
Water (oil/water separator) Recycled 92,000 gal 
Water (mine waste water) Recycled 16,440 gal 
Used computersb Reused 969 items/2 metric 
tons 
Used notebooksc Not applicable Not applicable 
aValues are presented in the unit of measure reported to regulatory agencies. 
bRepresents fiscal year values. 
cUsed notebook binders are no longer tracked because archival-quality binders were used. The archival quality 
allows the binders to be reused multiple times, unlike the less costly non-archival-quality binders. 
3.8.3 Pollution Prevention 
The YMPs pollution prevention program is described in the Waste Minimization and Pollution 
Prevention Awareness Plan (YMP 2001c). The plan establishes a pollution prevention 
committee, reporting and record-keeping requirements, and requirements for 
pollution-prevention opportunity assessments. 
Pollution Prevention CommitteeThree meetings of the Pollution Prevention Committee were 
held during 2003. Representatives from organizations and departments across the YMP attended 
the meetings. Topics discussed included the implementation of pollution prevention measures, 
including sustainable design, affirmative purchasing, energy efficiency, water conservation, 
waste management, purchase approval and tracking of hazardous materials and wastes, and 
waste minimization. These meetings provided an opportunity to talk about attainable action 
items from established pollution-prevention goals. Committee members bring topics and issues 
back to their departments for further input, action, and to increase employee awareness. 
Reporting and Record-Keeping RequirementsExecutive Order 13101 (63 FR 49643 
[Section 2.1.5]) requires that each federal agency purchase, to the greatest extent practicable, 
EPA-designated products containing recycled materials (40 CFR Part 247). YMP has an 
affirmative procurement program that supports the federal goal to purchase 100 percent of such 
items by 2005, except when the items are not readily available, not competitively priced, or do 
not meet performance specifications. During fiscal year 2003, the YMP affirmative procurement 
program attained about 97 percent compliance with this goal. An affirmative procurement report 
summarizing this information was prepared as required by Executive Order 13101 
(Sullivan 2003). Executive Order 13148 (65 FR 24595 [Section 2.1.4]) requires an annual fiscal-year progress 
report on pollution prevention. YMP has a strong recycling program that includes office items, 
automotive fluids, industrial wastewater, and construction debris. Data on recycling are tracked 
and reported monthly and quarterly. These data are then compiled and submitted each fiscal year 
through the DOE Pollution Prevention Website. 
The annual DOE O 450.1 Evaluation Status Report (Sorensen 2003) describes how the YMPs 
environmental management program implements the objectives of DOE Order 450.1. The report 
addresses the requirements of DOE Order 450.1 and describes the DOE Awards Program. 
Pollution Prevention Opportunity AssessmentsThe Pollution Prevention Opportunity 
Assessments are conducted annually on existing processes in accordance with AP-EM-009, 
Pollution Prevention Assessments and Sustainable Design. The purpose of a Pollution 
Prevention Opportunity Assessments is to identify opportunities to eliminate or minimize the 
release of hazardous and non-hazardous wastes and to conserve natural resources. Opportunities 
for implementation are evaluated using a life-cycle assessment approach. 
Two Pollution Prevention Opportunity Assessments were conducted in 2003 to evaluate methods 
of reducing waste streams from aerosol cans and from propane cylinders (McCann 2004). The 
use of puncturing units for each waste stream was determined to be a reasonable option because 
of the increased opportunity for recycling and long-term cost savings. 
Employee Awareness InitiativesIn addition to the efforts of the Pollution Prevention 
Committee, numerous initiatives were undertaken in 2003 to raise employee awareness and 
increase participation in pollution prevention efforts. 
 A pollution prevention website was improved and updated. 
 Pollution prevention articles were published on BSC and ORD websites and posted in 
community areas throughout the YMP. 
 Key members of the Pollution Prevention Committee attended staff meetings to discuss 
pollution prevention initiatives and their implementation. 
 An interactive pollution-prevention booth was developed for BSCs Voluntary 
Protection Program that highlighted BSCs successful programs. 
 An employee award program recognized both small and large efforts in pollution 
prevention. 
Three pollution prevention teams were nominated for the Presidents Closing-the-Circle Awards 
for their dedication to environmental excellence. Two of the teams were chosen as best-in-class 
within the DOE for making significant improvements in waste reduction and pollution 
prevention on the YMP, as well as saving taxpayer dollars. 
Continuous improvement was made in 2003 to reduce and reuse paper on the YMP. New 
printers were installed project-wide that substantially reduced paper consumption through 
double-sided printing. These printers are also more energy efficient than the old printers. Affirmative Procurement ProgramThe Affirmative Procurement Program incorporates 
compliance evaluation, data tracking, and reporting. Requisitions for goods and services are 
reviewed for compliance with EPAs Energy Star program, EPAs Consumer Products 
Guidelines (40 CFR Part 247), other procurement guidelines that stress 
environmentally-preferable products and services, and hazardous-materials purchasing 
requirements. 
Sustainable DesignSustainable design is a set of principles to ensure that the design, 
construction, operation, and decommissioning of facilities are safe, energy efficient, and 
environmentally responsible. DOE Order 413.3 requires that sustainable-design principals be 
applied to new facilities. DOE Order 430.2A identifies the reporting requirements of sustainable 
design. The formal sustainable-design process is described in AP-EM-009. Sustainable Design 
elements are incorporated into the repository-design process through LP-3.30Q-BSC, Hazards 
Analysis System. 
Secretarial Pollution Prevention and Energy Efficiency GoalsThe YMPs Pollution 
Prevention Program supports the 1999 Secretarial Pollution Prevention and Energy Efficiency 
Leadership Goals (Richardson 1999). The YMP initiated or continued numerous activities in 
2003 to reduce pollution, recycle, increase energy efficiency, and phase out ozone-depleting 
substances. 
Procurement of EPA-designated recycled-content items increased to 97 percent in fiscal year 
2003 (Sullivan 2003), up from 90 percent in fiscal year 2002. Also, energy-saving upgrades 
were incorporated into the lease renegotiations for the Summerlin BSC facilities in 
Las Vegas, Nevada. 
The use of Class I ozone-depleting substances are expected to be eliminated by 2010. New 
equipment uses safer alternatives. There are no chillers greater than 150 tons of cooling capacity 
on the YMP. Reductions in greenhouse gas emissions have not been evaluated. 
Fuel-efficient vehicles and alternative-fuel vehicles are available for use on the YMP. Many 
sedans can be refueled with compressed natural gas or gasoline. 
The hazardous-materials approval process (Section 3.8.1) is followed to reduce the use and 
generation of hazardous and toxic substances. The YMP did not manufacture, process, or 
otherwise use any chemical regulated under Section 313 of EPCRA in excess of threshold 
quantities during 2003. From 2002 to 2003, there was an increase of 1,763 pounds of hazardous 
waste generated by the Project. The primary reason for this increase was the closure of a 
research facility at Yucca Mountain that contained expired laboratory chemicals that required 
proper disposal (the U.S. Geological Surveys Hydrologic Research Facility). The total quantity 
of hazardous waste collected during 2003 was 1,964 pounds. Universal waste (mostly 
fluorescent lamps and nickel-cadmium batteries) totaling 2,609 pounds was also collected. 
1,291 pounds of hazardous waste and 1,727 pounds of universal waste were shipped to a 
permitted Treatment, Storage, and Disposal facility in 2003. As part of the Projects pollution 
prevention program, numerous materials were recycled or reused. 3.9 ENVIRONMENTAL, SAFETY, AND HEALTH ASSESSMENTS 
The ES&H assessment program is conducted to fulfill DOE Policy 450.5 (Section 2.8), 
requirements outlined in the Environmental Management Plan (YMP 2000a), and the Project 
Requirements Document (BSC 2003b). The assessments provide programmatic oversight of 
YMP activities to ensure full compliance with regulations and excellence in the ES&H and ISMS 
programs. This is accomplished through independent evaluations of YMP ES&H activities and 
programs for compliance with applicable federal and state laws; DOE policy; permit stipulations; 
and YMP plans, policies, and procedures. The assessment process, which includes verification, 
validation, and closure of corrective actions, enhances the effectiveness and implementation of 
ES&H roles and responsibilities among YMP organizations. 
Assessment topics are selected based on requirements for periodic program reviews, the potential 
for noncompliance conditions, management requests, or the need to evaluate newly implemented 
or changed programs. Assessments are conducted through document reviews, observation of 
work practices, and interviews to evaluate compliance with the governing regulatory and 
procedural requirements. Assessment results, including noncompliance, 
opportunity-for-improvement findings, and the responsible managers corrective action plan are 
documented in an assessment report. Findings and corrective actions were entered into the 
Condition/Issue Identification and Reporting/Resolution System for tracking (this tracking 
system was changed to the Corrective Action Program on September 29, 2003). Assessment 
items are closed when completed corrective actions have been verified by the lead assessor and 
validated by the ES&H assessment manager for opportunity-for-improvement findings, or by the 
ORD Office of Facility Operations for noncompliance findings. 
During 2003, seven assessments were conducted to evaluate compliance with ES&H 
requirements. These assessments covered waste prevention/recycling initiatives, hazardous 
waste shipments, confined space entry, powered industrial-equipment use, emergency program 
management, radiation-protection program requirements, and Integrated Safety Management 
implementation (Table 6). 
3.10 ENVIRONMENTAL SURVEILLANCE PROGRAM 
Environmental surveillances are conducted to confirm that activities are planned, managed, and 
implemented in a manner that protects environmental quality, minimizes threats to the 
environment, and complies with programmatic requirements and permit stipulations. 
Surveillances may investigate, among other things, procedural requirements (e.g., DOE 
directives, YMP plans and procedures), permit conditions, land access stipulations, and 
environmental regulations. Most surveillances are planned in advance; however, surveillance 
reports and associated corrective actions also are written whenever an environmental compliance 
issue is noted or reported. Table 6. Calendar Year 2003 Assessment Results 
Assessment Results 
Greening of the 
Government (03-03) 
This assessment examined BSC implementation of the applicable requirements of 
Executive Order 13101, Greening the Government Through Waste Prevention, Recycling, 
and Federal Acquisition (63 FR 49643). Opportunities for improvement were identified with 
regard to the purchase of retread tires for use on BSC-owned vehicles, pollution 
prevention/energy efficiency goals and objectives, and coordination between BSC 
environmental compliance and design functions regarding specific pollution-prevention 
design-assessment roles and responsibilities 
Waste Shipment 
Review (03-04) 
Processes and documentation relating to YMP hazardous waste shipments to an off-site 
waste contractor were reviewed to verify compliance of this shipment with regulatory and 
contractual requirements. All processes associated with the shipments were found to be 
satisfactory and in compliance with hazardous/universal waste-transportation requirements 
Confined Space 
Program (03-06) 
The BSC confined-space program was evaluated for compliance with 29 CFR 1910.146 on 
permit-required confined spaces, program roles and responsibilities, entry and rescue 
requirements, and related training. As a result of this assessment, opportunities for 
improvement and procedural gaps were identified in the areas of self-assessment, rescue 
services, confined space classifications, inventories, postings, and delineation of 
roles/responsibilities 
ISMS Annual Review 
(03-07) 
This annual review of ISMS implementation identified noteworthy practices with regard to 
BSCs achievement of the Voluntary Protection Program Star Status, Site Project Controls 
planning efforts, Risk Management processes, and craft initiatives for identifying and 
resolving potential site-safety issues. Opportunities for improvement generally reflected a 
need to better define roles/responsibilities and reflect current work practices in Project 
procedures 
Powered Industrial 
Equipment (03-08) 
This assessment determined if powered industrial equipment used for site activities and 
warehouse operations is being operated and maintained in accordance with applicable 
regulatory safety requirements for this equipment. Overall, it concluded that procedural 
requirements regarding equipment operations, qualification, and training were established 
and fully implemented in meeting federal program requirements 
Emergency 
Management 
Program (03-10) 
BSCs emergency preparedness and response program was evaluated for compliance with 
contractor requirements in DOE Order 151.1A, Comprehensive Emergency Management 
System, and the DOE Emergency Management Plan. This assessment resulted in 
improved definition and understanding of program roles and responsibilities and improved 
practices for updating and notifying personnel of changes to the incident-notification and 
emergency-activation matrix 
Quality Assurance 
Program Applicability 
to the Radiation 
Protection Program 
(04-12) 
This was a DOE-requested special assessment to confirm compliance of Radiation 
Protection Program procedures with applicable requirements of the Quality Assurance 
Requirements Document Addendum 1, Integrated Safety Management Quality Assurance 
Program (DOE 2003). This review concluded that appropriate linkages exist between 
Radiation Protection Program procedures and applicable Integrated Safety Management 
Quality Assurance Program requirements through Project documents that are routinely 
implemented by the Radiation Program staff in support of those requirements 
One hundred and seventy-eight (178) environmental surveillance reports were completed in 
2003. Noteworthy practices, or surveillances where no action was required, constituted 
95 percent of the surveillances (169). This compares to 96 percent in 2002 (of a total of 352 
surveillances) and 94 percent in 2001 (of a total of 533 surveillances). Of the nine surveillances 
for which corrective actions were required in 2003, four were implemented for spills and waste 
management issues and five were implemented for noncompliance with procedures and plans. 
There were no permit violations or reportable spills in 2003. 
Trends in corrective actions for permit compliance, spills and waste management, and procedural 
deficiencies are tracked as measures of environmental performance of the YMP. There was a one percent increase in the number of findings requiring corrective action in 2003 compared to 
2002, and a one percent decrease compared to 2001. The relatively small number of surveillance 
reports requiring action during the past few years (see preceding paragraph) indicates that 
changes in the work planning and implementation process in recent years have been successful. 
Closer attention to compliance with procedures and work instructions, and greater worker 
involvement in the planning and conduct of the work, has helped reduce the need for corrective 
actions. 
3.11 TRAINING 
Worker training on environmental compliance, pollution prevention, and all other aspects of 
ISMS is an important part of the YMP environmental program. All Project personnel working at 
Yucca Mountain are instructed on the environmental and safety requirements that must be 
followed for field activities. Additional job-specific training is offered commensurate with job 
responsibilities. 
All new employees must take General Employee Training. This six-hour course covers, among 
other things, Project environmental protection requirements, hazard communication, pollution 
prevention, and safety and health requirements. A computer-based annual refresher of these 
topics also is required of all employees. 
All new employees who work unescorted at Yucca Mountain must take Site Access Training. 
This three-hour class describes the employees responsibilities for land access, protecting 
biological and cultural resources, hazardous and non-hazardous waste-management, and 
environmental permit compliance. Computer-based, annual refresher training is also required. 
Environmental Compliance Awareness for Managers and Supervisors is required for all 
managers and supervisors. This computer-based training informs managers and supervisors of 
their responsibilities for maintaining environmental compliance and protecting the environment, 
and the consequences of not taking environmental concerns seriously. Managers are instructed 
to minimize environmental impacts; comply with environmental regulations; and mitigate 
impacts through prevention, corrective action, reclamation, and other measures. 
Employees whose work involves the transportation of hazardous materials are required to attend 
a three-day training class on the basics of hazardous materials transportation and to attend 
additional job-specific classes. Personnel also are required to attend a three-day advanced class 
if their work involves the certification of shipping papers for hazardous waste or radioactive 
materials. 
A class in Leak Detection and Mitigation is required for employees whose work involves control 
and reporting of hazardous material spills. This two-hour class covers oil and hazardous 
materials in work areas; spill and release scenarios; spill response stations, equipment and 
materials; and procedures for spill and release response, including health, safety containment, 
cleanup, notification, and reporting requirements. INTENTIONALLY LEFT BLANK
4. QUALITY ASSURANCE 
The quality of environmental data and results presented in this report were ensured through 
quality assurance practices. Appropriate industry standards and accepted laboratory and field 
monitoring practices were used to establish quality assurance practices. These practices are 
compliant with permit requirements applicable to collection and analysis of environmental data. 
The quality assurance practices were applied to the appropriate aspects of monitoring, sampling, 
analysis, data reduction, and reporting operations to produce data of known quality. Some 
aspects of the environmental program described in this report (radiological monitoring program 
support; meteorological monitoring and data analysis; tracers, fluids, and material reporting for 
reclamation [BSC 2001a, 2001b, and 2001c]) also were subject to the requirements of the 
Quality Assurance Requirements and Description (DOE 2003). 
The quality assurance practices were implemented through the systematic application of quality 
assurance policies, standardized procedures, and independent assessments. Quality assurance 
controls included the following: 
 Personnel training was conducted and documented before work was initiated. 
 Work instructions and procedures were developed and reviewed before they were 
approved for use. 
 A verbatim compliance policy for work performance, in accordance with approved 
procedures, was mandated for all work. 
 Standards traceable to the National Institute of Standards and Technology were used to 
calibrate and check measuring and test equipment. 
 Equipment used for monitoring, sampling, analysis, and counting was regularly 
calibrated at prescribed intervals. 
 Operational status and accuracy of equipment were independently and routinely checked 
by trained personnel. 
 Discrepancies and nonconforming conditions were documented and evaluated in 
accordance with a structured and approved corrective action process. 
 Technical data were reviewed before data reduction and analysis and reporting. 
 Computer software used for data reduction and analysis were evaluated and controlled. 
 Monitoring, sampling, analysis, and subsequent data reduction were periodically 
evaluated to verify effective implementation. 
 Compliance with quality assurance procedures for meteorological monitoring was 
verified by independent assessments. 4.1 SAMPLE CONTROL 
All environmental samples were controlled in accordance with approved work instructions and 
procedures. These controlled procedures specified approved methods and processes for sample 
collection, sample handling, chain-of-custody control, and analysis and data reporting. 
Technicians were trained to ensure that samples were properly labeled, stored, and protected 
against loss or contamination. Samples were uniquely identified by markings on either the 
sample or its packaging. Sample transactions were documented on either a Chain-of-Custody 
form for external transfers or a Sample Transfer form if transferred internally. Transfer 
recipients were required to verify that proper conditions and identification of samples were 
provided and maintained before accepting custody of the samples. 
4.2 SAMPLE ANALYSIS 
Analyses of samples were conducted in accordance with approved protocols, based on standard 
and approved methods. Personnel performing analyses and measurements were specifically 
trained for these work assignments before initiating work. 
As prescribed by a scope of work, analysis programs selectively used sample blanks, spikes, and 
replicates to better determine accuracy and precision of methods and to eliminate bias. 
Subcontractors who measured or analyzed samples were required to establish an equivalent 
quality assurance control system. Results of measurements and analyses were reviewed and 
approved by qualified personnel. 
4.3 INSTRUMENT CONTROL 
Instruments used to measure, monitor, test, or sample environmental conditions were procured, 
calibrated, controlled, and maintained in accordance with approved procedures. Equipment and 
calibration standards used to ensure instrumentation accuracy were traceable to the National 
Institute of Standards and Technology. Frequency of equipment calibration and maintenance 
were prescribed in approved procedures, based on manufacturers recommendations. 
Performance of all calibrated equipment was periodically checked to verify its adherence to 
operational specifications. Calibrated equipment was routinely checked by field technicians, and 
adjustments were made to optimize its performance. Out-of-tolerance conditions were 
documented, and resolution was determined by recalibration, rework, or replacement. Data 
affected by out-of-tolerance conditions were reported and identified as indeterminate until 
resolution of the condition had been evaluated to determine if the data could be validated. 
4.4 DATA MANAGEMENT 
To preserve data integrity, monitoring and sampling data were recorded and handled in 
accordance with approved procedures. The efficiency of data reduction software was verified 
through formal acceptance tests before use. 
During data reduction and compilation, data were validated to identify inconsistencies and 
anomalies. Data validation was performed by comparing the data to expected or predetermined 
ranges and past results. Decisions to include or eliminate suspect or unverifiable data were 
determined during technical reviews by qualified personnel. 5. REFERENCES 
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YMP 2000a. Environmental Management Plan. YMP/93-04, Rev. 4. Las Vegas, Nevada: 
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YMP 2000b. Site Environmental Report for Calendar Year 1999, Yucca Mountain Site, Nye 
County, Nevada. Las Vegas, Nevada: Yucca Mountain Site Characterization Office. 
ACC: MOL.20000620.0171. 
YMP 2001a. Reclamation Implementation Plan. YMP/91-14, Rev. 2. Las Vegas, Nevada: 
Yucca Mountain Site Characterization Office. ACC: MOL.20010301.0238. 
YMP 2001b. Site Environmental Report for Calendar Year 2000, Yucca Mountain Site, Nye 
County, Nevada. Las Vegas, Nevada: Yucca Mountain Site Characterization Office. 
ACC: MOL.20010629.0019. 
YMP 2001c. Waste Minimization and Pollution Prevention Awareness Plan. YMP/95-01, 
Rev. 2, ICN 1. Las Vegas, Nevada: Yucca Mountain Site Characterization Office. 
ACC: MOL.20010322.0493. 
YMP 2002. Site Environmental Report for Calendar Year 2001, Yucca Mountain Site, Nye 
County, Nevada. Las Vegas, Nevada: Yucca Mountain Site Characterization Office. 
ACC: MOL.20030505.0170. 
YMP 2003. Site Environmental Report for the Yucca Mountain Project Calendar Year 2002. 
Las Vegas, Nevada: Yucca Mountain Site Characterization Office. 
ACC: MOL.20040417.0206. 5.2 CODES, STANDARDS, REGULATIONS, AND PROCEDURES 
10 Code of Federal Regulations (CFR) 63.24. Energy: Updating of application and 
environmental impact statement. Readily available. 
10 CFR Part 1021. Energy: National Environmental Policy Act Implementing Procedures. 
Readily available. 
10 CFR Part 1022. Energy: Compliance with Floodplain/Wetlands Environmental Review 
Requirements. Readily available. 
29 CFR 1910.146 Labor: Permit-required confined spaces. Readily available. 
29 CFR Part 1904. Labor: Recording and Reporting Occupational Injuries and Illnesses. 
Readily available. 
33 CFR Part 320. Navigation and Navigable Water: General Regulatory Policies. Readily 
available. 
36 CFR Part 79. Parks, Forests, and Public Property: Curation of Federally-Owned and 
Administered Archaeological Collections. Readily available. 
36 CFR Part 800. Parks, Forests, and Public Property: Protection of Historic Properties. 
Readily available. 
40 CFR Part 50. Protection of Environment: National Primary and Secondary Ambient Air 
Quality Standards. Readily available. 
40 CFR Part 63. Protection of Environment: National Emission Standards for Hazardous Air 
Pollutants for Source Categories. Readily available. 
40 CFR Part 82. Protection of Environment: Protection of Stratospheric Ozone. Readily 
available. 
40 CFR Part 122. Protection of Environment: EPA Administered Permit Programs: The 
National Pollution Discharge Elimination System. Readily available. 
40 CFR Part 144. Protection of Environment: Underground Injection Control Program. Readily 
available. 
40 CFR Part 247. Protection of Environment: Comprehensive Procurement Guideline for 
Products Containing Recovered Materials. Readily available. 
40 CFR Parts 1500-1508. Protection of Environment: Council on Environmental Quality 
Regulations Implementing the Procedural Provisions of NEPA. Readily available. 
48 CFR Part 970. Federal Acquisition Regulations System: DOE Management and Operating 
Contracts. Readily available. 35 FR 4247. Protection and Enhancement of Environmental Quality. Executive Order 11514. 
Readily available. 
36 FR 8921. Protection and Enhancement of the Cultural Environment. Executive Order 11593. 
Readily available. 
42 FR 26951. Floodplain Management. Executive Order 11988. Readily available. 
42 FR 26961. Protection of Wetlands. Executive Order 11990. Readily available. 
52 FR 2923. Superfund Implementation. Executive Order 12580. Readily available. 
54 FR 6318. Determination of Floodplain/Wetlands Involvement for Site Characterization at 
Yucca Mountain, NV. Readily available. 
55 FR 39152. 43 CFR Public Land Order 6802. Withdrawal of Public Land to Maintain the 
Physical Integrity of the Subsurface Environment, Yucca Mountain Project, Nevada. Readily 
available. 
56 FR 49765. Floodplain Statement of Findings for Surface-Based Investigations at Yucca 
Mountain, Nevada. Readily available. 
57 FR 48363. Floodplain Statement of Findings for Site Characterization Activities at Yucca 
Mountain, NV. Readily available. 
60 FR 40164. Preparation of an Environmental Impact Statement for a Geologic Repository for 
the Disposal of Spent Nuclear Fuel and High-Level Radioactive Waste at Yucca Mountain, 
Nye County, Nevada. Readily available. 
61 FR 26771. Indian Sacred Sites. Executive Order 13007. Readily available. 
63 FR 27655. Consultation and Coordination with Indian Tribal Governments. Executive 
Order 13084. Readily available. 
63 FR 49643. Greening the Government through Waste Prevention, Recycling, and Federal 
Acquisition. Executive Order 13101. Readily available. 
64 FR 6183. Invasive Species. Executive Order 13112. Readily available. 
64 FR 30851. Greening the Government Through Efficient Energy Management. Executive 
Order 13123. Readily available. 
64 FR 31554. Floodplain and Wetlands Involvement; Geologic Repository for the Disposal of 
Spent Nuclear Fuel and High-Level Radioactive Waste at Yucca Mountain, Nye County, 
Nevada. Readily available. 
65 FR 24595. Greening the Government Through Leadership in Environmental Management. 
Executive Order 13148. Readily available. 65 FR 24607. Greening the Government Through Federal Fleet and Transportation Efficiency. 
Executive Order 13149. Readily available. 
67 FR 53358. Public Land Order No.7534; Extension of Public Land Order No. 6802. Readily 
available. 
American Indian Religious Freedom Act. 42 U.S.C. 1996. Readily available. 
Antiquities Act of 1906. 16 U.S.C. 431-433. Readily available. 
AP-EM-002, Rev. 2, ICN 0. Land Access and Environmental Compliance. Washington, D.C.: 
U.S. Department of Energy, Office of Civilian Radioactive Waste Management. 
ACC: DOC.20031117.0003. 
AP-EM-009, Rev. 0, ICN 0. Pollution Prevention Assessments and Sustainable Design. 
Washington, D.C.: U.S. Department of Energy, Office of Civilian Radioactive Waste 
Management. ACC: MOL.20020701.0185. 
Archaeological Resources Protection Act of 1979. 16 U.S.C. 470 et seq. Readily available. 
Atomic Energy Act of 1954. 42 U.S.C. 2011 et seq. Readily available. 
Clean Air Act of 1977. 42 U.S.C. 7401-7671g. Readily available. 
Clean Water Act of 1977. 33 U.S.C. 1251. Readily available. 
Comprehensive Environmental Response, Compensation, and Liability Act of 1980. 
42 U.S.C. 9601-9675. Readily available. 
DOE Manual 231.1-1 Change 2. 2000. Environment, Safety and Health Reporting Manual 
Washington, D.C.: U.S. Department of Energy. Readily available. 
DOE Notice 231.1. 2002. Environmental, Safety, and Health Reporting Notice. 
Washington, D.C.: U.S. Department of Energy. Readily available. 
DOE Notice 450.4. 2001. Assignment of Responsibilities for Executive Order 13148, Greening 
the Government Through Leadership In Environmental Management. Washington, D.C.: 
U.S. Department of Energy. Readily available. 
DOE Order 151.1A. 2000. Comprehensive Emergency Management System. 
Washington, D.C.: U.S. Department of Energy. Readily available. 
DOE Order 231.1A. 2003. Environmental, Safety, and Health Reporting. Washington, D.C.: 
U.S. Department of Energy. Readily available. 
DOE Order 413.3. 2000. Program and Project Management for Acquisition of Capital Assets. 
Washington, D.C.: U.S. Department of Energy. Readily available. DOE Order 430.2A. 2002. Departmental Energy and Utilities Management. Washington, D.C.: 
U.S. Department of Energy. Readily available. 
DOE Order 450.1. 2003. Environmental Protection Program. Washington, D.C.: 
U.S. Department of Energy. Readily available. 
DOE Order 451.1B Change 1. 2001. National Environmental Policy Act Compliance 
Program  Change 1. Washington, D.C.: U.S. Department of Energy. Readily available. 
DOE Order 5400.5 Change 2. 1993. Radiation Protection of the Public and the Environment. 
Washington, D.C.: U.S. Department of Energy. Readily available. 
DOE Order 5480.4 Change 4. 1993. Environmental Protection, Safety, and Health Protection 
Standards. Washington, D.C.: U.S. Department of Energy. Readily available. 
DOE Policy 141.1. 2001. Department of Energy Management of Cultural Resources. 
Washington, D.C.: U.S. Department of Energy. Readily available. 
DOE Policy 450.4. 1996. Safety Management System Policy. Washington, D.C.: 
U.S. Department of Energy. Readily available. 
DOE Policy 450.5. 1997. Line Environment, Safety and Health Oversight. Washington, D.C.: 
U.S. Department of Energy. Readily available. 
Emergency Planning and Community Right-to-Know Act of 1986. 42 U.S.C. 11001 et seq. 
Readily available. 
Endangered Species Act of 1973. 16 U.S.C. 1531 et seq. Readily available. 
Federal Facility Compliance Act of 1992. 42 U.S.C. 6961. Readily available. 
Federal Insecticide, Fungicide, and Rodenticide Act. 7 U.S.C. 136 et seq. Readily available. 
Federal Land Policy and Management Act of 1976. 43 U.S.C. 1701 et seq. Readily available. 
LP-3.30Q-BSC, Rev. 2, ICN 0. Hazards Analysis System. Washington, D.C.: U.S. Department 
of Energy, Office of Civilian Radioactive Waste Management. ACC: DOC.20040315.0002. 
Materials Act of 1947. 30 U.S.C. 601 et seq. Readily available. 
Migratory Bird Treaty Act. 16 U.S.C. 703. Readily available. 
NAC (Nevada Administrative Code) 444. Sanitation. Readily available. 
NAC 445A. Water Controls. Readily available. 
NAC 445B. Air Controls. Readily available. 
NAC 459. Hazardous Materials. Readily available. NAC 477. State Fire Marshal. Readily available. 
NAC 503. Hunting, Fishing, and Trapping; Miscellaneous Protective Measures. Readily 
available. 
National Environmental Policy Act of 1969. 42 U.S.C. 4321-4347. Readily available. 
National Historic Preservation Act. 16 U.S.C. 470 et seq. Readily available. 
Native American Graves Protection and Repatriation Act. 25 U.S.C. 3001 et seq. Readily 
available. 
Nevada Revised Statute 533. Adjudication of Vested Water Rights; Appropriation of Public 
Waters. Readily available. 
Nuclear Waste Policy Act of 1982. 42 U.S.C. 10101 et seq. Readily available. 
Resource Conservation and Recovery Act of 1976. 42 U.S.C. 6901 et seq. Readily available. 
Safe Drinking Water Act. 42 U.S.C. 300f et seq. Readily available. 
Toxic Substances Control Act. 15 U.S.C. 2601-2671. Readily available. 
Yucca Mountain Development Act. Public Law No: 107-200. Readily available. INTENTIONALLY LEFT BLANK
6. GLOSSARY 
(NOTE: Several terms in this Glossary emphasize their specific relationship to the Yucca 
Mountain Project.) 
alluvial fan A relatively flat to gently sloping mass of loose rock, shaped like an 
open fan, deposited by a stream or streams on a plain or broad valley. 
alluvium Unconsolidated rock debris deposited by flowing water during 
relatively recent geologic time; generally unsorted to semi-sorted. 
ambient Undisturbed, natural conditions, such as ambient temperature caused 
by climate; surrounding conditions. In addition, the geographic area 
in which the public has free access and where the ambient air quality 
standards apply. 
aquifer Subsurface saturated rock of sufficient permeability to transmit 
groundwater and yield usable quantities of water to wells and springs; 
a rock formation, group of formations, or part of a formation with 
these characteristics. 
arid Areas where mean annual evaporation exceeds mean annual 
precipitation. Arid regions typically have high rainfall variability, 
with annual amounts ranging between four and 12 inches. 
ashfall The descent through the atmosphere of ash from a volcanic eruption; 
volcanic ash resulting from an ash fall and lying on the ground 
surface. 
ash-flow tuff A tuff deposited by a turbulent blend of unsorted volcanic debris and 
high-temperature gas ejected explosively from fissures or a crater. 
basaltic lava flow Fine-grained, dark-colored volcanic rocks erupted onto or near the 
land surface from a volcano or fissures. 
borehole A hole drilled into the earths crust to collect hydrologic and geologic 
data. 
borrow pit An excavated area where earth materials such as sand and gravel are 
obtained. 
caldera A large, basin-shaped volcanic depression formed by violent eruptions 
and collapse of the crust. 
carbonate aquifer An aquifer in limestone and/or dolomite. Carbonate aquifers typically 
produce hard water, that is, water containing relatively high 
concentrations of calcium and magnesium. chain-of-custody 
control 
A form that documents collection, transport, and analysis of samples 
(e.g., water, rock). 
cinder cone A conical hill formed by the accumulation of cinders and other ejected 
debris around a volcanic vent. 
clearance survey A survey conducted to find and remove desert tortoises prior to 
land-disturbing activities. 
coliform bacteria Bacteria that originate as organisms in soil or vegetation and in the 
intestinal tract of warm-blooded animals (fecal coli). This group of 
bacteria has long been an indicator of the contamination of water and 
possible presence of intestinal parasites and pathogens. 
decommission The process of removing from service a facility in which nuclear 
materials are handled. This usually involves decontaminating the 
facility so that it can be dismantled or dedicated to other purposes. 
effluent A liquid or gaseous waste that is discharged to the environment. 
Euroamerican A person whose ancestry can be traced to Europe, but who immigrated 
to the United States and became either a naturalized or a legal citizen. 
evapotranspiration The combined processes of evaporation and plant transpiration that 
remove water from the soil and return it to the air. 
fault A fracture or zone of fractures along which there has been 
displacement. 
fault system Two or more sets of faults that are mostly parallel and that developed 
during a particular deformational episode. 
floodplain The strip of relatively smooth land adjacent to a river or stream 
channel or dry wash that is covered by water when the river or stream 
overflows its banks. 
fugitive dust Airborne particulate matter, emitted into the atmosphere from wind 
erosion of exposed soils or from vehicles traveling over unpaved roads 
geologic repository A facility for the long-term isolation of spent nuclear fuel and 
high-level radioactive waste in excavated geologic media. 
germination The process whereby seeds or spores sprout and begin to grow. greenhouse gases Greenhouse gases are natural and man-made substances that trap 
outgoing infrared energy emitted by the earth, warming the 
atmosphere and the earth. Common examples include water vapor, 
carbon dioxide, methane, some hydrofluorocarbons and 
perfluorocarbons. 
groundwater Water contained in pores or fractures in either the unsaturated zone or 
saturated zone below the surface. 
high-level radioactive 
waste 
(1) The highly radioactive material that is produced from the 
reprocessing of spent nuclear fuel, including liquid waste produced 
directly in reprocessing, and any solid material derived from such 
liquid waste that contains fission products in sufficient concentrations. 
(DOE would vitrify liquid high-level radioactive waste before 
shipping it to the repository.), and (2) other highly radioactive material 
that the U.S. Nuclear Regulatory Commission, consistent with existing 
law, determines by rule requires permanent isolation. 
Holocene epoch The most recent epoch of geologic time that extends from the end of 
the Pleistocene to the present, or approximately the past 10,000 years; 
also the rocks and deposits formed during this time. 
human exposure The condition of a human being subject to some effect or influence 
from a hazardous material, pollutant, or ionizing radiation generally 
considered as potentially resulting in an adverse physical response. 
hydrology The study of the occurrence, distribution, movement, and chemistry of 
water. 
injection well A deep well into which water, pressurized gas, or other material is 
pumped to test specific properties of the rock through which 
groundwater flows. 
invasive species An alien plant or animal species whose introduction does or is likely 
to cause economic or environmental harm or harm to human health. 
leachfield A component of a sanitary sewage system that uses soil for the 
disposal of effluent discharged from a septic tank. The leachfield 
consists of a series of perforated pipes buried in trenches that 
distribute the effluent below the surface. 
Material Safety Data 
Sheets 
A manufacturers summary of the chemical characteristics of a 
material, including information about the materials toxicity, storage, 
handling, first aid procedures, cleanup of spills, and disposal. 
native species Plant or animal species that occur naturally (without introduction by 
humans) in the region. ozone-depleting 
substances 
Ozone is the triatomic form of oxygen. In the stratosphere 
(6 - 12 miles to about 33 miles above the surface), natural ozone 
protects the Earth from the suns ultraviolet radiation. 
Ozone-depleting substances are certain compounds that contribute to 
the depletion of this protective ozone layer. 
Paleozoic A geologic era extending from the end of the Precambrian to the 
beginning of the Mesozoic, dating from between 570 and 225 million 
years ago. 
particulate matter Small airborne solid particles such as dust, smoke, fumes, or smog, 
that occur naturally or from human activities. 
perennial 
A plant that lives or continues more than two years, whether it retains 
its leaves in winter or not. 
pollution prevention Preventing or reducing the generation of pollutants, contaminants, 
hazardous substances, or wastes at the source, or reducing the amount 
for treatment, storage, and disposal through recycling. 
pre-activity surveys A biological, archaeological, and/or radiological survey conducted 
before granting approval to use land by Project participants. These 
surveys are designed to identify, preserve, and protect biological and 
archaeological resources, and identify and protect personnel from 
radiation sources. 
Precambrian All geologic time, and its corresponding rocks, before the Paleozoic. 
It is equivalent to about 90 percent of geologic time and marked by the 
appearance of primitive forms of life. 
quality assurance All those planned and systematic actions necessary to provide 
adequate confidence that a program or item will perform satisfactorily. 
radiation The emitted particles or photons from the nuclei of radioactive atoms. 
Some elements are naturally radioactive; others are induced to become 
radioactive by irradiation in a reactor. Naturally-occurring radiation is 
indistinguishable from induced radiation. 
radionuclide A radioactive atom with an unstable nucleus that spontaneously 
decays, emitting ionizing radiation in the process. 
recharge The movement of water from an unsaturated zone to a saturated zone. 
reclamation The conversion of disturbed land to a pre-disturbed condition. recontour Grading soil or loose rock debris on a disturbed site to match the 
natural slope and drainage of the surrounding landscape. 
remediation Action taken to permanently remedy a release or threatened release of 
a hazardous substance to the environment. Also synonymous with 
reclamation. 
sample transfer A form used on the Yucca Mountain Project for documenting the 
transfer of samples (e.g., water, rock) from one person to another. 
saturated zone The area below the water table where all spaces (fractures and rock 
pores) are completely filled with water. 
sedimentary rocks Rock resulting from the consolidation of loose sediment that has 
accumulated in layers. 
site characterization All activities associated with the determination of the suitability of the 
Yucca Mountain site for a geologic repository. On February 14, 2002, 
the Yucca Mountain site was recommended by the Secretary of 
Energy to the President as a suitable site for a repository. 
spent nuclear fuel Fuel that has been withdrawn from a nuclear reactor following 
irradiation, the component elements of which have not been separated 
by reprocessing. For this Project, this refers to: (1) intact, 
nondefective fuel assemblies; (2) failed fuel assemblies in canisters; 
(3) fuel assemblies in canisters; (4) consolidated fuel rods in canisters; 
(5) nonfuel assembly hardware inserted in pressurized-water reactor 
fuel assemblies; (6) fuel channels attached to boiling-water reactor 
fuel assemblies; and (7) nonfuel assembly hardware and structural 
parts of assemblies resulting from consolidation in canisters. 
Tertiary The first of two geologic periods of the Cenozoic Era extending from 
the end of the Mesozoic Era to the beginning of the Quaternary Period, 
covering a time span approximately from 65 million to 
two million years ago. 
tracer A substance (liquid or gas) usually injected through a well to 
determine the direction and speed of groundwater flow, as well as the 
characteristics of the rock through which the tracer travels. 
tuff Rock formed from compacted fragments of ash and dust, which have 
been ejected explosively into the air and settle onto the land surface. 
If the particles are sufficiently hot and contain enough gas, they may 
weld together forming welded tuff. Tuff is the most widely exposed 
rock at Yucca Mountain. verbatim compliance 
policy 
Compliance with all procedures to the letter. 
volcanic aquifer A water-bearing unit of volcanic rock or volcanic sediment that yields 
water in a useable quantity to a well or spring. 
well-logging All operations involving the lowering and raising of measuring 
devices or tools into wells for the purpose of obtaining information 
about the well or adjacent formations.