NREL Environmental Performance Report- 2007 Page i 

NATIONAL RENEWABLE ENERGY LABORATORY 

ENVIRONMENTAL PERFORMANCE REPORT for 2007 

(Annual Site Environmental Report per DOE Orders 231.1 and 5400.5) 

Prepared by: 

Environment, Safety, Health & Quality Office 

National Renewable Energy Laboratory 

NREL is a national laboratory of the 

U.S. Department of Energy and is 

Operated by the Alliance for Sustainable Energy, LLC 

November 2008 

NREL/MP-190-43663 
Cover Photo contributed by NREL Employee Steve Wilcox, 2007: View from South Table Mountain 

in Golden - facing Green Mountain, including the Science and Technology Facility and the Solar 

Energy Research Facility at NREL 

NOTICE

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States government. Neither the United States government nor any agency thereof, nor 

any of their employees, makes any warranty, express or implied, or assumes any legal 

liability or responsibility for the accuracy, completeness, or usefulness of any 

information, apparatus, product, or process disclosed, or represents that its use would 

not infringe privately owned rights. Reference herein to any specific commercial product, 

process, or service by trade name, trademark, manufacturer, or otherwise does not 

necessarily constitute or imply its endorsement, recommendation, or favoring by the 

United States government or any agency thereof. The views and opinions of authors 

expressed herein do not necessarily state or reflect those of the United States 

government or any agency thereof. 

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NREL Environmental Performance Report- 2007 Page ii 
List of Acronyms 

AFUF Alternative Fuels User Facility 

AFV Alternative fuel vehicle 

APEN Air Pollution Emission Notice 

AST Aboveground storage tank 

BMP Best management practice 

CDPHE Colorado Department of Public Health and Environment 

CEQ Council of Environmental Quality 

CFR Code of Federal Regulations 

CGP Construction General Permit 

CMS Chemical Management System 

CY Calendar year 

DBP Disinfection byproduct 

DOE Department of Energy 

DOE-GO Department of Energy Golden Field Office 

DSOC District Shops and Operation Center 

DWOP Denver West Office Park 

EA Environmental Assessment 

EERE Office of Energy Efficiency and Renewable Energy 

ELP Environmental Leadership Program 

EMS Environmental management system 

EO Executive Order 

EPA Environmental Protection Agency 

EPCRA Emergency Reporting and Community Right-to-Know Act 

ESH&Q Environmental Safety, Health, and Quality 

FEC Federal Electronics Challenge 

FEMP Federal Energy Management Program 

FTLB Field Test Laboratory Building 

FY Fiscal year 

GHG Greenhouse gas 

GRI Global Reporting Initiative 

gsf Gross square foot 

HAA5 Haloacetic acids 

HABS Historic American Buildings Survey 

HAER Historic American Engineering Record 

IPM Integrated pest management 

ISM Integrated safety management 

ISMS Integrated Safety Management System 

ISO International Organization for Standardization 

IUF Industrial User Facility 

JSF Joyce Street Facility 

LEED Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design 

LEPC Local Emergency Planning Committee 

mg/L Milligrams per liter 

MRI Midwest Research Institute 

NREL Environmental Performance Report- 2007 Page iii 
MSDS Material Safety Data Sheet 

NEPA National Environmental Policy Act 

NESHAP National Emissions Standards for Hazardous Air Pollutant 

NOI Notice of intent 

NPDES National Pollutant Discharge Elimination System 

NREL National Renewable Energy Laboratory 

NWTC National Wind Technology Center 

O&M Operation and maintenance 

ODS Ozone-depleting substances 

OTF Outdoor Test Facility 

PDU Process Demonstration Unit 

ppm Parts per million 

PV Photovoltaics 

PWSID Public Water Supply Identification Number 

RAA Running annual average 

RCM Retro-commissioning measure 

RCRA Resource Conservation and Recovery Act 

RFA Rocky Flats Alluvium 

RFHP Renewable Fuel Heating Plant 

REC Renewable energy certificate 

ReFUEL Renewable Fuels and Lubricants Research Laboratory 

RFA Rocky Flats Alluvium 

RQ Reportable quantity 

RSF Research Support Facilities 

RTD Regional Transportation District 

S&TF Science and Technology Facility 

SARA Superfund Amendments and Reauthorization Act 

SERC State Emergency Response Commission 

SERF Solar Energy Research Facility 

SERI Solar Energy Research Institute 

SHPO State Historic Preservation Office 

SIC Standard industrial classification 

SOP Safe operating procedure 

SPPP Stormwater Pollution Prevention Plan 

SRRL Solar Radiation Research Laboratory 

STM South Table Mountain 

TCPDU Thermochemical Process Demonstration Unit 

TPQ Threshold planning quantity 

TTHM Total Trihalomethanes 

WHF Waste Handling Facility 

NREL Environmental Performance Report- 2007 Page iv 
NREL Environmental Performance Report- 2007 Page v 

Table of Contents 

List of Figures ............................................................................................................................. viii

List of Tables .............................................................................................................................. viii

1. Introduction .............................................................................................................................. 1

1.1 Purpose ................................................................................................................................. 1 

1.2 Background .......................................................................................................................... 1 

1.3 Site and Facility Description ................................................................................................ 3 

1.3.1 South Table Mountain Site ....................................................................................... 9 

1.3.2 National Wind Technology Center ......................................................................... 10 

1.3.3 Denver West Office Park ........................................................................................ 11 

1.3.4 Joyce Street Facility ................................................................................................ 12 

1.3.5 Renewable Fuels and Lubricants Research Laboratory .......................................... 12 

1.4 Site Environmental Conditions/Features ......................................................................... 12 

1.4.1 Climate .................................................................................................................... 12 

2. Compliance Summary ........................................................................................................... 16

2.1 Laws and Regulations ........................................................................................................ 16 

2.1.1 Air Quality Protection ............................................................................................. 16 

2.1.2 Drinking Water Quality Protection ......................................................................... 16 

2.1.3 Groundwater Quality Protection ............................................................................. 16 

2.1.4 Wastewater .............................................................................................................. 16 

2.1.5 Surface Water Quality Protection ......................................................................... 17 

2.1.6 Waste Management ................................................................................................. 17 

2.1.7 Storage Tanks........................................................................................................ 17 

2.1.8 Threatened and Endangered Species/Species of Concern .................................... 18 

2.1.9 EPCRA Compliance and Prevention of Toxic Releases......................................... 18 

2.1.10 Cultural Resources Protection ............................................................................. 18 

2.2 DOE Order 450.1, Environmental Protection Program ................................................... 18 

2.3 Executive Orders ................................................................................................................ 19 

2.3.1 Executive Order 13423, Strengthening Federal Environmental, Energy, and 

Transportation Management ............................................................................................. 19 

2.3.2 Executive Order 11988, Floodplains Management ................................................ 19 

2.3.3 Executive Order 11990, Wetlands Protection ......................................................... 19 

2.4 Permit Summary .............................................................................................................. 19 

3. Environmental Occurrences ................................................................................................. 20

3.1 Diesel Fuel Spill ................................................................................................................. 20 

3.2 Hydraulic Fluid Spill.......................................................................................................... 20 

4. Environmental Management System ................................................................................... 21

4.1 Description ......................................................................................................................... 21 

4.1.1 NREL’s EMS and ISM System .............................................................................. 21 

4.1.2 Notable 2007 Activities .......................................................................................... 22 

4.1.3 Public Outreach ....................................................................................................... 22 

 
NREL Environmental Performance Report- 2007 Page vi 

4.2 Performance Indicators and Progress................................................................................. 23 

4.2.1 2007 Environmental Objectives and Progress Toward Goals ................................ 24 

4.2.2 Colorado ELP Commitments (2007 – 2009) .......................................................... 24 

4.2.3 2008 Objectives ...................................................................................................... 24 

4.3 Site and Facility Description .............................................................................................. 25 

4.3.1 2007 Assessment Activities .................................................................................... 25 

4.4 Sustainability and the Environmental Management System ............................................. 26 

5. Environmental Programs ...................................................................................................... 28

5.1 Air Quality Protection ........................................................................................................ 28 

5.1.1 Program Management ............................................................................................. 28 

5.1.2 Permitting ................................................................................................................ 29 

5.1.3 2007 Activities ........................................................................................................ 29 

5.2 Drinking Water .................................................................................................................. 30 

5.2.1 Program Management ............................................................................................. 30 

5.2.2 Permitting ................................................................................................................ 31 

5.2.3 2007 Activities ........................................................................................................ 31 

5.3 Groundwater Protection ..................................................................................................... 32 

5.3.1 Program Management ............................................................................................. 32 

5.3.2 Permitting ................................................................................................................ 33 

5.3.3 2007 Activities ........................................................................................................ 33 

5.4 Wastewater Discharge ....................................................................................................... 33 

5.4.1 Program Management ............................................................................................. 33 

5.4.2 Permitting ................................................................................................................ 34 

5.4.3 2007 Activities ........................................................................................................ 34 

5.5 Surface Water Protection (Storm Water and Erosion Control) .......................................... 34 

5.5.1 Program Management ............................................................................................. 34 

5.5.2 Permitting ................................................................................................................ 35 

5.5.3 2007 Activities ........................................................................................................ 35 

5.6 Waste Management ............................................................................................................ 36 

5.6.1 Program Management ............................................................................................. 36 

5.6.2 Permitting ................................................................................................................ 36 

5.6.3 2007 Activities ........................................................................................................ 36 

5.7 Storage Tanks (Underground and Aboveground) .............................................................. 37 

5.7.1 Program Management ............................................................................................. 37 

5.7.2 Permitting ................................................................................................................ 37 

5.7.3 2007 Activities ........................................................................................................ 37 

5.8 Hazardous Materials Management .................................................................................... 38 

5.8.1 Program Management ............................................................................................. 38 

5.8.2 Permitting ................................................................................................................ 39 

5.8.3 2007 Activities ........................................................................................................ 40 

5.9 Pollution Prevention and Sustainability ............................................................................. 40 

5.9.1 Program Management ............................................................................................. 40 

5.9.2 Permitting ................................................................................................................ 41 

5.9.3 2007 Activities ........................................................................................................ 41 

5.10 Vegetation Management ................................................................................................... 51 
NREL Environmental Performance Report- 2007 Page vii 

5.10.1 Program Management ........................................................................................... 51 

5.10.2 Permitting .............................................................................................................. 53 

5.10.3 2007 Activities ...................................................................................................... 53 

5.11 Wildlife ............................................................................................................................. 54 

5.11.1 Program Management ........................................................................................... 54 

5.11.2 NWTC Site............................................................................................................ 54 

5.11.3 STM Site ............................................................................................................... 55 

5.11.4 Permitting .............................................................................................................. 55 

5.11.5 2007 Activities ...................................................................................................... 55 

5.12 Endangered Species/Species of Concern .......................................................................... 57 

5.12.1 Program Management ........................................................................................... 57 

5.12.2 Permitting .............................................................................................................. 58 

5.12.3 2007 Activities ...................................................................................................... 58 

5.13 Wetlands/Floodplains ....................................................................................................... 59 

5.14 Cultural Resources ............................................................................................................ 59 

5.14.1 Program Management ........................................................................................... 59 

5.14.2 Permitting .............................................................................................................. 61 

5.14.3 2007 Activities ...................................................................................................... 61 

5.15 National Environmental Policy Act (NEPA) .................................................................... 62 

5.15.1 Program Management ........................................................................................... 62 

5.15.2 Permitting .............................................................................................................. 62 

5.15.3 2007 Activities ...................................................................................................... 62 

5.16 Radiological Program ....................................................................................................... 63 

5.16.1 Program Management ........................................................................................... 63 

5.16.2 Permitting .............................................................................................................. 63 

5.16.3 2007 Activities ...................................................................................................... 64 

6. Conservation Easement Lands ............................................................................................. 65

6.1 2007 Property Assessment .................................................................................................. 65 

7. References ............................................................................................................................... 68

8. Appendices .............................................................................................................................. 70
NREL Environmental Performance Report- 2007 Page viii 

 List of Figures 

Figure 1.1. Regional map showing NREL locations in Jefferson County, CO .........................5 

Figure 1.2. ReFUEL facility location map, located in Denver County, CO ..............................6 

Figure 1.3. STM site detail ........................................................................................................7 

Figure 1.4. NWTC site detail .....................................................................................................8 

Figure 1.5. STM site – west end of the site .............................................................................13 

Figure 1.6. STM site – east view .............................................................................................13 

Figure 1.7. STM site – NW and mesa top view .......................................................................14 

Figure 1.8. STM site – Denver West Office Park ....................................................................14 

Figure 1.9. NWTC site – northwest view ................................................................................15 

Figure 1.10. NWTC site – northwest view with research facilities .........................................15 

Figure 5.1. NREL transportation by mode in FY07 ................................................................43 

Figure 5.2. NREL fleet petroleum use .....................................................................................44 

Figure 5.3. Energy use reduction progress...............................................................................46 

Figure 5.4. FY2007 Kg CO2 emissions breakdown .................................................................48 

Figure 5.5. Sustainable landscaping outside of NREL’s Thermal Test Facility ......................49 

Figure 5.6. LEED platinum certified S&TF at STM ...............................................................50 

Figure 5.7. Frosted yucca .........................................................................................................52 

Figure 5.8. Vegetation growth along the NWTC north fence..................................................52 

Figure 5.9. Mule deer ...............................................................................................................56 

Figure 5.10. Prairie dog (Cynomys ludovicianus) on the NWTC site .....................................56 

Figure 5.11. Rare spotting of an Eastern Fence Lizard (Sceloporus undulatus) at the SRRL .57 

Figure 5.12. Eurasian collared dove at the STM .....................................................................58 

Figure 5.13. STM site cultural resource: amphitheater at the STM.........................................60 

Figure 5.14. STM cultural resource: stone and concrete ammunition bunker at the STM ......60 

Figure 6.1. STM Site conservation easement ..........................................................................65 

Figure 6.2. STM mesa top facilities and surrounding conservation easement lands ...............66 

Figure 6.3. Sunset over the Solar Energy Research Facility....................................................67 

List of Tables 

Table 5.1. FY2007 Quantities of Some Recycled Materials at NREL ......................................... 42 

Table A.1. 2007 Summary of NREL Environmental Permits, Registrations, and Notifications . 72 

Table B.1. Table B.1. Wildlife Species Observed at the National Renewable Energy Laboratory 

South Table Mountain Site, Golden, CO ...................................................................................... 77 

Table C.1. National Renewable Energy Laboratory Master Plant List, 2007 .............................. 79 
1. Introduction 

The National Renewable Energy Laboratory (NREL) is the nation's premier laboratory for 

renewable energy research and development and a leading laboratory for energy efficiency 

research, with programs in wind energy, solar energy, plant and waste-derived fuels and 

chemicals, energy efficiency in buildings, geothermal energy, advanced vehicle design, hydrogen 

infrastructure, and fuel cells. Established in 1974, NREL began operating in 1977 as the Solar 

Energy Research Institute (SERI). It was designated a U.S. Department of Energy (DOE) 

national laboratory in September 1991 as the National Renewable Energy Laboratory. NREL 

conducts research primarily for DOE’s Office of Energy Efficiency and Renewable Energy 

(EERE). In FY2007, Midwest Research Institute (MRI) and Battelle operated NREL under the 

oversight of the DOE Golden Field Office (DOE-GO). 

1.1 Purpose 

This report presents a summary of NREL’s environmental protection programs and activities for 

2007. It is organized according to the different environmental media (e.g., air, waste, ground 

water, etc.), and includes a brief summary of how the program is managed in that area, any 

permitting or notification efforts that have been completed during the reporting period or are 

ongoing, and activities that have occurred during the reporting period in that environmental area. 

A description of the environmental condition and features of NREL’s sites is also included to 

provide a basis for the program overview. 

This report is organized to present many of the elements of the Global Reporting Initiative (GRI) 

Sustainability Reporting Guidelines. It also incorporates DOE’s most recent guidelines for the 

Annual Site Environmental Report, as required by DOE Orders 231.1 and 5400.5. 

1.2 Background 

NREL’s mission is to develop renewable energy and energy efficiency technologies and 

practices, advance related science and engineering, and transfer knowledge and innovations to 

the private sector to address the nation’s energy and environmental goals. 

NREL fulfills its mission through technology portfolios; a brief description of each major 

technology area follows. 

Basic Science: Fundamental research is conducted in the sciences that underlie NREL’s 

renewable energy and energy efficient technologies. 

Bioenergy: NREL currently has major programs in biomass-derived fuels (biofuels) and 

biomass-derived electricity (biopower), and projects in biomass-derived chemicals and materials. 

Building Energy: NREL increases the use of energy efficiency technologies and expands the 

use of renewable energy technologies in the building sector by working to develop new, costeffective, environmentally acceptable building equipment and envelope systems. 

Computational Sciences: This area includes basic and applied research using high-performance 

computing and applied mathematics. 

NREL Environmental Performance Report- 2007 Page 1 
Distributed Power: Distributed power is modular electric generation or storage located near the 

point of use. NREL participates in the development of technologies, market structures, and 

policies that affect the incorporation of renewables and energy efficiency technologies in 

distributed power systems, maximizing the utilization of renewable energy and energy efficiency 

products. As a part of this initiative, NREL is involved in the development, design, and 

facilitation of the application of renewable and renewable/fossil hybrid distributed power 

systems in grid-connected applications. 

Electricity Technologies: These technologies include renewable energy, hydrogen, and 

superconductivity technologies, as well as utility resources. 

Energy Analysis: Research at NREL includes energy analysis for various programs and 

initiatives. 

Hydrogen: NREL serves as a leader in renewable hydrogen production technologies. NREL also 

leads in the development of advanced storage and sensors, as well as in codes and standards 

development. Basic and applied research and material development using biology, physics, and 

chemistry enable and support the development of hydrogen production, storage, and end-use 

systems. 

Measurements and Testing: NREL labs and facilities allow state-of-the-art testing on 

photovoltaic cells, building technologies, and wind turbines. 

Photovoltaics: Photovoltaics (PV) enables the direct conversion of sunlight to electricity using 

solid-state materials. The National Center for Photovoltaics develops and deploys PV technology 

for the generation of electric power. 

Renewable Energy Resources: Researchers develop resource information for solar, wind, 

biomass, and geothermal energy applications. 

Renewable Thermal Technologies: These technologies generate power from heat or utilize heat 

from renewable resources. They include concentrating solar power, solar water heating, and 

geothermal heat and power. 

Transportation: NREL works with industry to develop advanced vehicles and systems for 

transportation, and to develop viable vehicle systems that are integral to DOE transportation 

initiatives. NREL also works with energy companies and manufacturers of vehicles and engines 

to develop advanced motor vehicle fuels for improved energy and environmental performance. A 

systems approach is used to develop optimized engine management, fuel, and emission control 

technologies. 

Wind Energy: Through the National Wind Technology Center (NWTC), NREL develops, 

improves, and demonstrates the viability of wind technology for electricity generation and 

facilitates its utilization throughout the world. 

NREL Environmental Performance Report- 2007 Page 2 
1.3 Site and Facility Description 

NREL facilities occupy four separate locations in Jefferson County, Colorado, near the city of 

Denver, and one within the boundaries of the City and County of Denver. The four facilities in 

Jefferson County include the Denver West Office Park (DWOP), the South Table Mountain site 

(STM), the Joyce Street Facility (JSF), and the NWTC. The Renewable Fuels and Lubricants 

Research Laboratory (ReFUEL) is located within the city limits of Denver. The DWOP and 

STM sites are approximately two miles (3.2 km) east of Golden and 12 miles (19.3 km) west of 

central Denver. The NWTC is located near the intersection of Highways 93 and 128, between 

Boulder and Golden, and is approximately 15 miles (24.2 km) north of the STM site. The JSF is 

located at 6800 Joyce Street, about 5.5 miles (8.9 km) north of the DWOP and STM sites. The 

ReFUEL facility is located with the Regional Transportation District (RTD) District Shops and 

Operation Center (DSOC) at 1900 31st Street, Denver, about 12 miles east of the STM and 

DWOP sites. Figure 1.1 illustrates the locations of the STM, DWOP, NWTC, and JSF sites on a 

regional map. The location of the ReFUEL facility is shown on Figure 1.2. Figure 1.3 provides a 

more detailed map of the STM site and Figure 1.4 provides detail for the NWTC site. 

The STM and NWTC sites are the two main sites where research operations are conducted and 

will be addressed separately in the discussion of environmental features. The DWOP is leased 

space used primarily for administrative functions and limited research activities. The JSF is also 

a leased space that is currently used for storage. The ReFUEL facility is a leased facility that 

consists of a small shop complex housed within the RTD/DSOC facility. NREL performs enginetesting activities pertaining to fuels and lubricants at the site. 

NREL Environmental Performance Report- 2007 Page 3 
NREL Environmental Performance Report- 2007 Page 4 
National Wind

Technology Center

Joyce Street

Facility

Denver West Office

Park Site (Bldgs 15,

16, 17, 7, 3)

Figure 1.1. Regional map showing NREL locations in Jefferson County, CO 

NREL Environmental Performance Report- 2007 Page 5 
 

I - 70

NREL 

ReFUEL 

I - 25 

Figure 1.2. ReFUEL facility location map, located in Denver County, CO 

NREL Environmental Performance Report- 2007 Page 6 
Figure 1.3. STM site detail 

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NREL Environmental Performance Report- 2007 Page 8 

Figure 1.4. NWTC site detail 
NREL Environmental Performance Report - 2007 Page 9 

1.3.1 South Table Mountain Site 

1.3.1.1 Geology, Soils, and Hydrogeology 

The South Table Mountain (STM) site is a roughly triangular parcel of land occupying portions 

of the top, sides, and lower south-facing slopes of STM. STM is composed of sedimentary rocks 

below a basalt lava cap, which is quite resistant to erosion. The STM feature is a mesa that stands 

about 150 meters above the adjacent lowlands. The mesa was formed as weak sedimentary rocks 

surrounding the lava were eroded away, leaving the lava-capped mesa in relief. Below the lava 

caprock, the sedimentary rocks are part of the Denver Formation that consists of layers and 

lenses of claystone, sandstone, and conglomerate. Sedimentary rocks of the Arapahoe Formation 

underlie the Denver Formation. 

Both the Arapahoe and Denver Formations are considered to be aquifers in portions of the 

Denver Basin. The Denver Formation underlies the areas on which most NREL construction has 

taken place. Groundwater on the STM site occurs primarily in the weathered and fractured silts 

and sands of the Denver Formation. There may also be some groundwater in the form of perched 

aquifers below the basaltic lava cap on the STM, and within the materials above the Denver 

Formation, which are largely the result of stream deposits. Groundwater flow on the site is in a 

southeasterly direction. 

The soil covering the top of the STM is lavina loam. Loam is composed of a mixture of clay, 

sand, silt, and organic matter. The loam on the mesa top is a shallow, well-drained clayey soil. 

Soil on the upper side slopes of the STM is also a loam consisting of extremely stony soils with 

significant amounts of clay. Much of the remainder of the site, including the area designated for 

major development, has a deep, well-drained soil referred to as Denver clay loam. It consists of 

clayey material containing some calcium carbonate. There are also two smaller soil areas on the 

southwestern portion of the site, both of similar character to other site soils—cobbly clay loam 

and very stony clay loam. 

1.3.1.2 Surface Water 

About 90% of the surface drainage off the site, both from the mesa top and across the lower 

portions of the site, is in the southerly direction toward Lena Gulch (a tributary of Clear Creek). 

Surface water from two drainage ways on the easternmost portion of the site ultimately flows 

into Lena Gulch. 

There is no permanent stream flow on the STM site. Only occasional flow derived from extended 

periods of precipitation, usually during the late winter and early spring, is found in the drainage 

channels with seasonal springs evident along some of the mesa slopes. There is one seep on the 

mesa top that is often active throughout much of the year, but the water infiltrates and evaporates 

quickly during the dry season. 

1.3.1.3 Vegetation 

Two primary vegetation types are present on the STM site: grasslands and shrublands. The most 

common plant communities on the STM site are mixed grasslands, composing more than 80% of 

the vegetation on the site. These communities are generally dominated by short- and mid-grass 

species. Two primary upland shrub communities occur on the STM site: mountain mahogany 

shrublands, found on the shallow soils of the mesa, and upland shrublands, occurring in 

drainages lacking active channels as well as drainages with associated wetlands. Field surveys 

have identified limited wetland/riparian areas along drainages. The wetland communities 
NREL Environmental Performance Report - 2007 Page 10 

identified on the STM site are a minor component of the total vegetation cover, accounting for 

less than 1% of the vegetation over an area of less than 0.3 ha (0.75 ac). Riparian shrub 

communities also occur adjacent to the emergent wetlands. 

1.3.1.4 Wildlife 

A wildlife survey was conducted on the site during 1986 and 1987, and additional surveys were 

done in 1999 over the Conservation Easement property. A survey to update the existing data 

began in 2004 and was completed in 2005 (see Section 5.11 for more detail). Mammals seen 

using the site during the surveys include mule deer, coyotes, gray foxes, red foxes, raccoons, 

long tailed weasels, striped skunks, spotted skunks, badgers, bobcats, mountain lions, rabbits, 

and yellow-bellied marmots. Seventeen species of birds have been observed on the STM site, 

along with two species of raptors: American kestrels and two nesting pairs of red-tailed hawks. 

Amphibian species and snakes are known to inhabit the area as well. 

1.3.1.5 Land Use 

The STM site is a 327-acre area predominantly bordered by open grassland zoned for recreation 

and light-commercial activity. Portions of the community of Pleasant View are located 

immediately to the south and west of the western portions of the STM site. Pleasant View has 

constructed a recreational park immediately south of the STM site. Offices, shops, and a tree 

nursery owned by the Colorado State Forest Service are located at the far western edge. 

Undeveloped state land and a Colorado State Highway Patrol pursuit driver-training track are 

located along the northwestern boundary of the STM site on top of the mesa. Jefferson County 

open space wraps around the northern and the eastern edge of the site. Portions of the DWOP 

and apartment homes lie to the east. 

More than half of the STM site (177 acres) has been set aside in a conservation easement. No 

development is allowed on that land, with the exception of some existing utility easements and 

recreational trails to be established by Jefferson County Open Space. Trail development is 

planned for implementation in phases by the County, and was begun in 2004 (see Section 6.0 for 

more detail). 

1.3.2 National Wind Technology Center 

1.3.2.1 Geology, Soils, and Hydrogeology 

The National Wind Technology Center (NWTC) site is located on a plain formed by stream 

deposits. The uppermost geological layer beneath the site is known as the Rocky Flats Alluvium 

(RFA). It is composed of cobbles, coarse gravel, sand, and gravelly clay. Below the RFA are the 

Laramie Formation, Fox Hills Sandstone, and Pierre Shale. These rock formations consist 

primarily of claystones with some siltstones. Unconfined groundwater flow occurs in the RFA 

toward the east/southeast, and small perched zones are common. Groundwater occurs as 

confined aquifers in the deeper bedrock formations (EG&G Rocky Flats, Inc. 1992). 

The NWTC has a strongly developed soil defined as a very cobbly, sandy loam. The soil is 

characterized by a large amount of cobble and gravel in the soil volume, and subsoil dominated 

by clay (USDA 1995). 

1.3.2.2 Surface Water 

The area surrounding the NWTC site is drained by five streams: Rock Creek, North Walnut 

Creek, South Walnut Creek, Woman Creek, and Coal Creek. Rock Creek flows eastward and is 
NREL Environmental Performance Report - 2007 Page 11 

located southeast of the NWTC. North Walnut Creek and South Walnut Creek flow eastward 

into the Great Western Reservoir. Woman Creek drains eastward into Standley Lake. Coal Creek 

flows in a northeasterly direction across the City of Boulder open space north of the NWTC. 

The majority of the NWTC drains into a tributary to Rock Creek. Some of the northern portions 

of the site drain into Coal Creek or its tributaries. 

1.3.2.3 Vegetation 

The NWTC is located in the transition area between the Great Plains and the Rocky Mountains 

(Plantae Consulting Services 2000). This location results in a flora that contains elements from 

both mountain and prairie ecosystems, and associations that represent residual tall grass prairie, 

short-grass plains, ponderosa pine woodland, and foothill ravine flora (Plantae Consulting 

Services 2000). 

A vegetation study conducted between August 1999 and August 2000 identified 271 vascular 

plant species and defined five major habitat types on the NWTC site, including: seasonal 

wetlands/or ephemeral hydric soils, woodlands, shrublands, mixed grasslands, and disturbed 

areas. 

Along the Northwestern ridge is a Ponderosa Pine woodland area. Vegetation found in this area 

includes woody species with an understory of grasses, forbs, and shrubs. 

1.3.2.4 Wildlife 

Prior to 1975, livestock heavily grazed the NWTC site, damaging a majority of the native 

vegetation. A wildlife survey was conducted in 1992 for the entire Rocky Flats Plant and buffer 

zone area, including the NWTC site. Signs or tracks of bears and mountain lions were identified. 

Other mammals known to feed at the site are mule deer, coyotes, desert cottontail rabbits, whitetailed jackrabbits, black-tailed jackrabbits, deer mice, prairie voles, and thirteen-lined ground 

squirrels. Approximately 20 different species of birds were sighted at or near the site. Raptor 

(birds of prey) surveys were conducted at the NWTC in 1994 and 1995, and identified seven 

raptor species on or in the vicinity of the site. An avian survey was also conducted in 2001 to 

2002 (see Section 5.11). Although seldom seen, rattlesnakes, bull snakes, racers, and several 

other reptilian and amphibian species are known to occupy the area. 

1.3.2.5 Land Use 

The NWTC facility occupies a 305-acre area surrounded largely by open space and grazing land. 

The former Rocky Flats Environmental Technology Site land borders the NWTC to the 

southeast, and a sand and gravel mining and processing operation is located along the southern 

and western boundaries of the site. A blasting company also has a small installation along the 

western site boundary. 

1.3.3 Denver West Office Park 

The Denver West Office Park (DWOP) is a relatively flat, landscaped office complex occupied 

by a number of four-story buildings, parking lots, and common areas. NREL-leased facilities at 

the DWOP are located approximately in the geographic center of the development, with the 

exception of one NREL-leased facility just north of West Colfax. The DWOP is bordered on the 

south by commercial areas (West Colfax strip), on the west by the Pleasant View residential 

area, Camp George West facility, and the STM site. DWOP is within the City of Lakewood. 
NREL Environmental Performance Report - 2007 Page 12 

1.3.4 Joyce Street Facility 

The Joyce Street Facility (JSF) is located in a commercial area surrounded by agricultural land, 

residential neighborhoods, and small businesses. It is currently used by NREL primarily as 

warehouse space only. Support activities and limited dry lab research activities are currently 

conducted at the facility, and there are no staff offices at JSF. 

1.3.5 Renewable Fuels and Lubricants Research Laboratory 

The Renewable Fuels and Lubricants Research Laboratory (ReFUEL) facility is used for 

research, testing, and support activities related to advanced fuels, engines, and vehicles to 

objectively evaluate performance, emissions, and energy efficiency impacts. The laboratory will 

also be used to evaluate and develop heavy hybrid electric vehicles. 

 

The ReFUEL is a small shop complex housed within the RTD/DSOC facility. The RTD/DSOC 

facility occupies approximately 22 acres of land and serves as the primary maintenance facility 

for RTD’s bus and light rail train systems. The area around the RTD/DSOC facility consists of 

commercial and light industrial development. 

The site lies on relatively flat terrain with a slight gradient to the northwest. The general area is 

highly developed with concentrated industrial and commercial activities. Very little natural 

vegetated habitat exists onsite or in the immediate vicinity. There are trees and shrubs lining the 

South Platte River adjacent to the site’s south, east, and northeast borders. 

1.4 Site Environmental Conditions/Features 

Photos for each site documenting the site features and development are included at the end of 

this section. Figures 1.5, 1.6, 1.7, and 1.8 show the STM and DWOP sites, and Figures 1.9 and 

1.10 provide images of the NWTC site. The views on the STM site also illustrate the 

conservation easement property and the Camp George West property acquired in 1999. 

1.4.1 Climate

The climate for the geographic region of NREL operations is classified as semi-arid, typified by 

limited precipitation, low relative humidity, abundant sunshine, and large daily and seasonal 

temperature variations. 

The area experiences moderate precipitation, with an average annual rainfall of less than 50 cm 

(20 inches). Almost half of the annual precipitation occurs from March to June. Summer showers 

contribute 33% of the annual precipitation total. Precipitation begins to decrease significantly in 

the fall, and reaches the minimum during winter. Winter is the driest season, contributing less 

than 10% of the annual precipitation, primarily in the form of snowfall. 

Spring is a season of unstable air masses with strong winds along the foothills and the Front 

Range. The highest average snowfall occurs in March, and the STM site can generally expect to 

experience at least one heavy snowstorm with totals exceeding 15 to 25 cm (6 to 10 inches). 

The solar radiation (sunlight energy) of the region is excellent for outdoor research and testing of 

solar energy conversion devices and systems. Sunshine is abundant throughout the year and 

remarkably consistent from month to month, season to season. 
Figure 1.5. STM site – west end of the site 

Figure 1.6. STM site – east view 

NREL Environmental Performance Report - 2007 Page 13 
Figure 1.7. STM site – NW and mesa top view 

Figure 1.8. STM site – Denver West Office Park 

NREL Environmental Performance Report - 2007 Page 14 
Figure 1.9. NWTC site – northwest view 

Figure 1.10. NWTC site – NW view with research facilities 

NREL Environmental Performance Report - 2007 Page 15 
NREL Environmental Performance Report - 2007 Page 16 

2. Compliance Summary 

2.1 Laws and Regulations 

2.1.1 Air Quality Protection 

The Colorado Department of Public Health and Environment (CDPHE) administers the Clean 

Air Act implementing regulations for all point sources (facilities or other types of operations) in 

Colorado, under authority delegated by the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA). 

NREL is not a major source for air pollutants, but does hold two site-wide permits for particulate 

air emissions from construction, one air emissions permit for a pilot scale research project, and 

one air permit for the construction and operation of a woodwaste-fired heating plant. Detailed 

information about NREL’s air quality protection program is provided in Section 5.1. 

National Emissions Standards for Hazardous Air Pollutants (NESHAP) requirements specific to 

radiological emissions from DOE facilities are regulated by the EPA. Details are provided in 

Section 5.15. 

During 2007, NREL had no air quality compliance issues. 

2.1.2 Drinking Water Quality Protection 

Drinking water quality is regulated for all public water suppliers in Colorado by the CDPHE, 

under authority delegated by the EPA. NREL purchases water that is delivered by truck to the 

NWTC, and holds a public water supply identification number to provide that water to NWTC 

site occupants. NREL has been conducting increased monitoring since the fourth quarter of 2006 

for disinfection byproducts. Detailed information about compliance efforts is provided in Section 

5.2. 

In 2007, NREL had no drinking water compliance issues. 

2.1.3 Groundwater Quality Protection 

Colorado groundwater quality standards are established by the CDPHE. Permits for groundwater 

wells are issued by the state engineer’s office. NREL has no known groundwater contamination 

and has obtained drilling permits for all of its monitoring wells. Detailed information about 

NREL’s groundwater program is provided in Section 5.3. 

In 2007, NREL had no groundwater compliance issues. 

2.1.4 Wastewater 

Wastewater from the majority of the STM Site and the Denver West Office Park flows into the 

Pleasant View Water and Sanitation District’s (Pleasant View) system, and from there flows to 

the treatment plant at the Metropolitan Wastewater Reclamation District (Metro). The federal 

Clean Water Act and Colorado Water Quality Control Act regulations are administered at 

NREL’s STM and DWOP via Pleasant View and Metro pretreatment program requirements. 

NREL’s wastewater discharge policy is in conformance with Metro’s discharge requirements. 

Wastewater at the NWTC site flows into two individual sewage disposal systems (septic and 

leach fields). These are regulated by CDPHE; inspection and permit issuance have been 

delegated by CDPHE to the Jefferson County Department of Health and Environment. There is 

also one individual sewage disposal system at the Solar Radiation Research Laboratory on the 
NREL Environmental Performance Report - 2007 Page 17 

mesa top at the STM Site. As is the case with NWTC septic systems, the mesa top system 

regulations are administered by Jefferson County. Additional detail about NREL’s wastewater 

discharge program can be found in Section 5.4. 

In 2007, NREL had no wastewater compliance issues. 

2.1.5 Surface Water Quality Protection 

The authority for implementing stormwater discharge regulations at federal sites in Colorado 

rests with the EPA. NREL falls under the EPA Construction General Permit (CGP) program for 

the STM and NWTC sites for stormwater discharge from construction activities. Permit coverage 

for individual NREL activities is obtained when permit thresholds are triggered based on factors 

such as acreage involved, slope, and soil characteristics. 

At the STM, a Notice of Intent (NOI) was filed with the EPA in 2005 for the construction of a 

new research facility. This project was managed under the EPA’s Construction General Permit 

program. Sufficient vegetative coverage was achieved in mid-2008 and a Notice of Termination 

for the permit was filed with the EPA. 

At the NWTC, one small construction project was undertaken in 2007 that required a CGP. 

Sufficient vegetative coverage was achieved in mid-2008 and a Notice of Termination for the 

permit was filed with the EPA. Details of NREL’s surface water protection program are provided 

in Section 5.5. 

In 2007, NREL had no surface water compliance issues.

2.1.6 Waste Management 

The Resource Conservation and Recovery Act (RCRA) established federal authority over 

hazardous waste. In Colorado, CDPHE administers hazardous waste regulations under authority 

delegated by the EPA. NREL holds five EPA generator identification numbers for each of its 

sites. NREL’s waste management program is outlined in Section 5.6. Pollution prevention efforts 

at NREL are described in Section 5.9. 

A hazardous waste management inspection was conducted by the EPA in September 2007 for the 

STM and DWOP facilities. EPA issued a warning letter for hazardous waste management 

deficiencies at the STM. The final report and follow-up actions are discussed in Section 5.6. 

2.1.7 Storage Tanks 

NREL has no underground storage tanks containing hazardous materials. Aboveground storage 

tanks (ASTs) that are larger than 660 gallons are regulated in Colorado by the Colorado 

Department of Labor and Employment’s Oil Inspection Section. NREL has two tanks larger than 

660 gallons on the STM site that are registered with the Colorado Department of Labor and 

Employment. Details about NREL’s aboveground storage tank program are provided in Section 

5.7. 

No spills or releases from NREL’s ASTs occurred during 2007. 
NREL Environmental Performance Report - 2007 Page 18 

2.1.8 Threatened and Endangered Species/Species of Concern 

Wildlife is protected by a number of federal laws, including (but not limited to) the Endangered 

Species Act, the Migratory Bird Treaty Act, and the Golden and Bald Eagle Protection Act. The 

Endangered Species Act also protects threatened and endangered plant species. State laws also 

designate and protect rare or unique plants and animals. No threatened or endangered species or 

species of concern have been documented on NREL’s sites. Details of NREL’s wildlife and 

vegetation surveys are provided in Sections 5.10 and 5.11. 

In 2007, NREL had no compliance issues regarding wildlife. 

2.1.9 EPCRA Compliance and Prevention of Toxic Releases 

Executive Order (EO) 13423 and DOE Order 450.1A outlines requirements for Superfund 

Amendments and Reauthorization Act (SARA) Title III, Emergency Reporting and Community 

Right-to-Know Act (EPCRA) compliance and Toxic Release Inventory reductions for DOE 

facilities. NREL maintains hazardous materials permits with West Metro Fire Rescue (West 

Metro) and provides chemical inventory information to West Metro for the STM site and 

Building 16 in the DWOP. 

In 2007, NREL facilities had no releases exceeding the reportable quantity (RQ) of any material 

reportable under EPCRA. NREL did have quantities of three chemicals on site that exceeded the 

EPCRA threshold planning quantity for each chemical, so MSDS and Tier II reports were filed 

with the state and local emergency planning organizations and with the jurisdictional fire 

department. 

As a research and development laboratory, NREL does not manufacture or process any materials 

on the SARA Section 313 list in excess of the 4,526-kg (10,000-lb) threshold planning quantity. 

And during 2007, the laboratory did not otherwise use any materials on the SARA Section 313 

list in quantities exceeding the 4,526-kg (10,000-lb) threshold planning quantity. NREL’s 

compliance with EPCRA requirements is detailed in Section 5.8. 

NREL maintains an Emergency Management Policy (8-4) and supporting lab-level programs for 

credible on- site emergencies. Hazardous material releases are specifically identified as a 

credible emergency, and response procedures are in place. These procedures are routinely 

practiced by internal response groups and with external emergency response agencies. 

2.1.10 Cultural Resources Protection 

Various laws, including but not limited to, the National Historic Preservation Act and the Native 

American Graves Protection and Repatriation Act, protect cultural resources. NREL has two 

sites listed on the National Register of Historic Places (National Register) on its STM Site. There 

are no known eligible sites at the NWTC (see Section 5.14). 

In 2007, NREL had no compliance issues regarding cultural resources. 

2.2 DOE Order 450.1, Environmental Protection Program 

DOE Order 450.1 required sites to implement Environmental Management Systems (EMS) by 

integrating them with the site’s Integrated Safety Management System. Sites were required to 

have an EMS in place by December 31, 2005. The revised Order 450.1A requires that EMSs 

now be structured according to International Organization for Standardization (ISO) 14001 
NREL Environmental Performance Report - 2007 Page 19 

requirements by June 2009. NREL’s implementation of its EMS is described in Section 4.0 of 

this report. 

2.3 Executive Orders 

2.3.1 Executive Order 13423, Strengthening Federal Environmental, Energy, and 

Transportation Management 

On January 24, 2007, the President signed EO 13423. This Order requires all Federal agencies 

and departments to “conduct their environmental, transportation, and energy-related activities 

under the law in support of their respective missions in an environmentally, economically and 

fiscally sound, integrated, continuously improving, efficient, and sustainable manner” (72 FR 

3919). DOE’s senior management, with NREL’s participation, has been working on a 

Transformational Energy Action Management (TEAM) Initiative to create and implement a plan 

intended to expedite meeting the EO requirements. NREL’s progress in meeting this EO is 

located in Section 4.2. 

2.3.2 Executive Order 11988, Floodplains Management 

EO 11988 was implemented in support of the National Environmental Policy Act (NEPA), the 

National Flood Insurance Act of 1968, and the Flood Disaster Protection Act of 1973 to 

minimize the adverse impacts associated with development and modification of floodplains. 

According to maps generated by the Jefferson County Department of Highways and 

Transportation as part of its urban drainage studies, NREL's STM site does not contain any 

floodplains, and no floodplains have been identified at the NWTC. As a Best Management 

Practice (BMP), however, all construction activities that may cross a drainage channel are 

designed to meet the 100-year flood control standards (designed to withstand the equivalent of a 

100-year flood). 

Actions with the potential for environmental impact that are undertaken by NREL at 

subcontractor facilities are assessed for potential impacts on floodplains and wetlands at those 

sites through the use of an environmental checklist. 

2.3.3 Executive Order 11990, Wetlands Protection 

Under EO 11990, each federal agency must provide leadership and take action to minimize the 

destruction, loss, or degradation of wetlands, and to preserve and enhance the natural and 

beneficial values of wetlands. 

Limited wetland areas totaling less than 0.3 hectares (0.75 acres) occur on the STM site. These 

are narrow, linear wetlands supporting spikerush, baltic rush, sedges, bluegrass, hemlock, and 

field mint. Wetland areas at the NWTC are extremely limited in extent as well. These areas, 

along the site’s eastern boundary, total less than 0.4 hectares (1 acre). 

In 2007, NREL had no compliance issues regarding environment-related EOs. 

2.4 Permit Summary 

A table is provided in Appendix A that summarizes NREL’s permits, registrations, and 

notifications. 
NREL Environmental Performance Report - 2007 Page 20 

3. Environmental Occurrences 

Incidents with potential environmental implications during 2007 at the STM, NWTC, DWOP, 

and ReFUEL include the following: 

3.1 Diesel Fuel Spill 

On June 11, 2007, at the conclusion of fueling activities for a diesel emergency generator, the 

delivery truck operator improperly stored a delivery hose that subsequently discharged 

approximately five to 10 gallons of diesel fuel onto a paved parking area. A small amount of 

diesel fuel flowed off the pavement onto surrounding soil staining approximately 4 sq. ft. of soil 

to a depth of two inches. The fuel on the pavement was absorbed with spill control materials and 

the stained soil was removed. All materials were collected for offsite disposal at a properly 

permitted facility. 

3.2 Hydraulic Fluid Spill 

On December 23, 2007, a liquid nitrogen delivery truck was preparing to offload liquid nitrogen 

into one of NREL’s storage tanks. Prior to beginning the material transfer process, a hydraulic 

line for the transfer pump ruptured releasing approximately three gallons of hydraulic fluid. The 

fluid was absorbed with spill control materials and collected for offsite disposal at a properly 

permitted facility. 
4. Environmental Management System 

4.1 Description 

Environmental protection is a priority at NREL, as indicated by NREL’s environmental policy: 

Economic Viability. Managing laboratory fiscal resources efficiently to meet applicable 

regulations and effectively accomplishing the Laboratory's mission, taking sustainability into 

consideration.

Environmental Stewardship. NREL is committed to sound environmental management that 

serves as an example to others and supports the laboratory’s mission to protect natural resources 

through research, development, and deployment of renewable energy and energy efficiency 

technologies. To this end, NREL is committed to: 

• Pollution Prevention. . . . Incorporating pollution prevention practices in research and support activities. 

• Continuous Improvement. . . . Continuously improving the effectiveness of NREL’s environmental management system (EMS). 

• Campus. . . . Managing the impact on the environment caused by the placement and general design of NREL structures; 

maintaining, protecting, and restoring natural and landscaped environments to sustain natural and native ecological systems, 

both on and adjacent to NREL campuses. 

• Water. . . . Reducing water consumption and managing water discharges from the site. 

• Electricity/Natural Gas. . . . Reducing energy use in building designs and operations, within available funds; using cost effective 

renewable energy sources for remaining energy needs; and purchasing power generated by renewable energy sources. 

• Transportation. . . . Reducing the impact of local NREL travel on the environment; reducing the use of fossil-based 

gasoline/diesel fuel for NREL onsite and local operations through the use of alternative fuel vehicles or hybrids; and increasing 

the use of video and teleconferencing to reduce the environmental impacts of air travel. 

• Materials. . . . Reducing the use of materials and the creation of waste by reducing, reusing, and recycling materials needed for 

laboratory operations; increasing the purchase and use of environmentally sensitive products and products with recycled content. 

• Environmental Management. . . . Providing an environment that promotes efficiency, effectiveness, and sustainability, and 

encourages the creativity and personal motivation required for excellence in scientific, engineering, technology development, 

and support functions. 

• Education/Communication. . . . Informing and providing outreach to workers about sustainability activities, including a method 

for interaction and feedback; educating workers about participating and contributing to sustainable activities. . . ; informing

workers and the public about NREL’s environmental performance, including a method for interaction and feedback. 

• Compliance with Requirements. . . . Complying with applicable federal, state, and other environmental requirements and 

exceeding those requirements, when feasible, by implementing environmental best management practices. 

Public Responsibility. Working with local stakeholders to identify and implement collaborative 

projects to improve sustainability of the local community; educating others about sustainability 

through a variety of outreach mechanisms. 

NREL exemplifies sustainability by maximizing efficient use of resources, minimizing waste and 

pollution, and serving as a positive force in economic, environmental, and community 

responsibility. To this end, NREL is committed to: 

NREL ENVIRONMENTAL POLICY STATEMENT 

4.1.1 NREL’s EMS and ISM System 

NREL’s Environmental Management System (EMS) implements NREL’s environmental policy, 

and is a framework of policies and procedures that are integrated with NREL’s normal 

management processes, combined with the environmentally sound daily work practices of the 

NREL Environmental Performance Report - 2007 Page 21 
NREL Environmental Performance Report - 2007 Page 22 

Environmental Safety, Health, and Quality (ESH&Q) Office staff and personnel throughout the 

laboratory. Environmental protection must involve everyone at the lab in order for it to be 

effective. All activities conducted at NREL must comply with federal and state laws and 

regulations, and DOE requirements. 

As a DOE-owned facility, NREL is required by DOE Order 450.1A to implement its EMS as 

part of an Integrated Safety Management (ISM) System. NREL's EMS incorporates the 

requirements of the International Standards for EMSs described by ISO 14001. It also meets the 

criteria of EO 13423, Strenthening Federal Environmental, Energy, and Transportation 

Management. 

The Environmental Protection Policy (6-2) and 19 supporting laboratory-level environmental 

programs and procedures that define the NREL EMS have been coordinated and linked with the 

ISM Policy (2-1), the ESH&Q Policy (6-1), the supporting ESH&Q Policies (6-3 through 6-6), 

the Sustainable NREL Policy (2-7), and approximately 40 supporting lab-level safety and health 

programs and procedures. The EMS is further integrated with ISM via task specific procedures 

that flow down from the policies and programs, such as Safe Operating Procedures (SOP). 

4.1.2 Notable 2007 Activities 

In 2007, NREL continued progressing toward Colorado Environmental Leadership Program 

(ELP) environmental performance commitments. The Colorado ELP is a Colorado Department 

of Public Health and Environment (CDPHE) voluntary partnership between CDPHE and 

participating private and public Colorado facilities that recognizes environmental leadership and 

performance. In early 2004, NREL was accepted into the Colorado ELP. As a component of this 

program, NREL sets voluntary performance goals in an effort to further enhance environmental 

performance at the laboratory. NREL was the first laboratory to be accepted into Colorado ELP, 

and continued participation as a Gold-level Leader through 2007. 

In August 2007, NREL voluntarily invited a third-party assessor to evaluate the EMS as a 

mentoring activity in association with other Colorado ELP gold leaders. The assessment was to 

serve as a gap analysis between the existing NREL EMS and the revised ISO 14001 – 2004 

standard. While no final report was provided for the external assessment, verbal comments and a 

list of written observations were shared with NREL. NREL’s plan for continuous improvements 

to the EMS was informed by the external evaluation, but was primarily developed from 

outcomes reviewed in the Internal Quality Assurance Assessment Report. This report was 

completed in August 2007, following an extensive internal assessment by NREL’s Quality 

Assurance team. Implementation of the resulting plan for EMS continuous improvement was 

ongoing throughout FY2008. 

4.1.3 Public Outreach 

NREL hosted several public meetings to report on and discuss environmental performance and 

other issues. In 2007, the public was invited to the “Smart Energy Living” series of workshops at 

the NREL Visitors Center before and after the Denver Tour of Solar and Green Built Homes. 

More than 325 people attended and were given information on renewable energy and energy 

efficient technologies for their homes. NREL and DOE-GO also hosted a community meeting in 

late 2007, inviting community members to learn about NREL’s 2008 outlook and current STM 

site development plans. 
NREL Environmental Performance Report - 2007 Page 23 

A series of "Power Lunches" open to the public are held monthly at the Visitors Center. In 2007, 

topics included advanced vehicle technologies, biofuels, solar technologies, energy efficient 

buildings, and climate modeling. In all, 14,125 people passed through NREL's Visitors Center. 

In addition, the lab's public Web site, www.nrel.gov, features a "Sustainable NREL" link where 

the public can find copies of NREL's Sustainability Reports and an ESH&Q page for Annual 

Environmental Performance Reports. 

Visits to NREL by elected officials are common. In past years, the laboratory hosted visits by 

President George W. Bush, congressional staffers, mayors, and many other local government 

leaders. Official visits in FY2007 included the Ambassador of Bahrain, the Ambassador to 

Azerbaijan, a member of the German Parliament, Minority Staff Director for the Senate 

Environment and Public Works Committee, White House Fellows, U.S. Senator Tom Harkin (DIA) and Senator Ken Salazar (D-CO), among others. 

Comments from NREL’s stakeholders are encouraged. They are sometimes received through the 

outreach opportunities above, and may also be received via e-mail or telephone. Comments 

received relating to environmental stewardship, are incorporated into the EMS process, relayed 

to appropriate staff, and addressed as necessary. 

4.2 Performance Indicators and Progress 

4.2.1 2007 Environmental Objectives and Progress Toward Goals 

Each fiscal year, in collaboration with DOE-GO, NREL develops environmental performance 

objectives for the upcoming year as part of the lab’s One-Year Plan. The objectives to meet the 

goal of further enhancing Environmental Safety, Health, and Quality (ESH&Q) as a core value 

of the laboratory for fiscal year 2007 were to demonstrate: 

• Effective leadership and prevention 

• Effective response. 

NREL has successfully completed the One-Year Plan targets set to meet the two objectives listed 

above. Some noteworthy achievements in FY2007 include: 

• NREL completed a comprehensive evaluation of its Integrated Safety Management 

System (ISMS), including self-assessments and an independent review. 

• NREL updated the Chemical Inventory System and completed the interface with other 

NREL business systems. This provides effective management of all chemicals at NREL 

and support emergency response capabilities with real-time chemical information. 

• NREL enhanced its ability to respond to chemical spills by conducting two training 

exercises with combined participation of the West Metro Fire Rescue (West Metro) and 

NREL’s emergency response team.

• NREL completed the Environmental Assessment (EA) process for the proposed Mesa 

Top PV, the Renewable Fuel Heating Plant (RFHP), and SolarTac projects on the STM. 

• Regulatory compliance was evaluated through assessments and regulatory 

audits/inspections, such as: 

o U.S. EPA’s hazardous waste audits of the STM and Denver West Office Park 

facilities in September 2007. 
NREL Environmental Performance Report - 2007 Page 24 

o NREL’s EMS received a review of conformance and system effectiveness by 

NREL’s Quality Assurance staff performed according to the ISO 14001 protocol. 

More information on 2007 assessments is provided below in Section 4.3. Environmental 

programs, such as chemical management, waste management, and pollution prevention, are 

described in more detail in Section 5. 

4.2.2 Colorado ELP Commitments (2007 – 2009) 

The following multi-year commitments support the laboratory-wide ESH&Q objectives for both 

2007 and the upcoming objectives for 2008. 

4.2.2.1 Campus Planning 

• NREL plans to truly “walk the talk” on our own campus and has made a tremendous start 

by achieving Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design (LEED) Platinum 

designation at the Science and Technology Facility (S&TF) in March 2007. NREL plans 

to strive for LEED Gold for all future building design and construction. For planning 

purposes, NREL developed a Grand Buildout Plan, including design of an approximately 

220,000 gross square foot (gsf) Research Support Facilities (RSF). NREL’s STM 

buildout plan calls for growing from 400,000 gsf to 1,100,000 gsf and from 450 

occupants to 2,700 occupants. 

• NREL expects to exceed the 3% FY2007 greenhouse gas (GHG) reduction required by 

the new federal EO 13423, Strengthening Federal Environmental, Energy and 

Transportation Management. This will be completed through the deployment of energy 

efficient and renewable energy technologies on-site at NREL and through the purchase of 

renewable energy certificates (RECs). 

• NREL will apply for acceptance into the Federal Electronics Challenge (FEC), and 

anticipates completion of 19 projects in order to apply for the 2007 FEC Silver-level 

Award given jointly by the Office of the Federal Environmental Executive and the U.S. 

EPA. 

Please see Section 5.9 for NREL’s progress in areas of sustainable building design, GHG 

emissions, and application to the FEC. 

As an indicator of NREL’s environmental performance, Sustainable NREL and EMS staff 

supported NREL efforts to receive the following awards in FY2007: 

• S&TF recognized as the first LEED platinum federal building – April 4, 2007 (only 28 

other buildings in the world have achieved the LEED platinum designation); 

• Chairman’s Awards for NREL personnel for outstanding contributions as Labs21 team 

members (Note: Labs21 was awarded a Presidential Awards for Federal Energy 

Management); 

• Continued recognition as a Colorado Environmental Leadership Program Gold-level 

Leader in Environmental Management (sponsored by CDPHE); and 

• Continued recognition as a Climate Leader (sponsored by the EPA). 

4.2.3 2008 Objectives 

The environmental objectives developed by NREL in collaboration with DOE-GO are to meet 

the goal of advancing ESH&Q as a core value to protect the safety and health of NREL workers 
NREL Environmental Performance Report - 2007 Page 25 

and the community and to strengthen environmental quality. For FY2008, these environmental 

objectives are: 

• Implementation of integrated safety, health and environmental management into 

laboratory operations/management systems; 

• Effective response to laboratory challenges; and 

• Response to ESH&Q issues. 

Progress toward the 2008 objectives will be reported in the NREL 2008 Environmental 

Performance Report. 

4.3 Assessment and Improvement 

Periodic assessment and management review of NREL’s EMS and its components provide 

verification that the EMS continues to be an effective tool to achieve and maintain compliance 

with regulatory and legal requirements, meet the established environmental goals of the 

laboratory, and maintain management support for NREL’s environmental goals. Assessments 

and management reviews also provide for continuous improvement of the EMS. 

There are three different types of assessments performed to evaluate the functionality of the EMS 

at NREL: EMS assessments, periodic compliance assessments, and third-party assessments. 

A team of NREL staff generally performs assessments of NREL’s EMS internally on a periodic 

basis. The scope of the assessments includes both the management of significant environmental 

aspects (areas where NREL activities have the potential for environmental effect, either positive 

or negative) and policy implementation. The team evaluates the EMS based on an appropriate set 

of criteria, such as ISO 14000 standards, Colorado Environmental Leadership Program 

standards, or other applicable environmental management standards. 

Periodic compliance assessments are conducted of individual environmental programs to verify 

that the program, as written, meets all applicable legislative and regulatory requirements and that 

the program is implemented as intended (see Section 5.0 for examples). Improvements are 

developed and implemented as necessary, based on the results of each assessment. 

In addition to compliance assessments of individual NREL environmental programs, NREL has 

management system review processes in place for regular reviews and updates of the set of 

policies, lab-level programs, and task specific procedures, including EMS policies and programs. 

NREL reviews its ESH&Q policies and laboratory-level procedures as needed, but at least every 

five years, making revisions as necessary. All SOPs are reviewed on an annual basis and are 

revised as necessary to help ensure the required controls are appropriate for the hazards present. 

Environmental hazards and controls are specifically called out in each SOP. 

Periodically, external third-party assessments may be conducted by technical experts for specific 

components of NREL’s environmental programs or for the EMS as a whole. These assessments 

are conducted on an as-needed basis. 

4.3.1 2007 Assessment Activities 

In August 2007, NREL’s Quality Assurance team performed an independent assessment of the 

EMS that included a gap analysis with the ISO 14001:2004 standard (as compared with the 1996 

standard on which NREL’s EMS was based). Several recommendations for improvement were 
NREL Environmental Performance Report - 2007 Page 26 

identified as were gaps to be closed in order for NREL’s EMS to meet the 2004 ISO standards. 

NREL has chosen to establish its EMS according to the ISO 14001 standard, although that was 

not required at DOE facilities until the DOE O 450.1A was issued in 2008. Improvements were 

implemented throughout 2008. 

NREL’s QA team performed a follow-up assessment of the EMS in August 2008. Additional 

recommendations for improvement were made. NREL plans to have gaps closed and 

improvements implemented so that the laboratory will meet the DOE O 450.1A requirements to 

have an ISO 14001:2004 compliant system by June 2009. 

NREL plans to continue annual independent assessments of the EMS conducted by the NREL 

Quality Assurance assessment team to monitor performance of the system. 

4.4 Sustainability and the Environmental Management System 

NREL’s mission has always focused on a sustainable energy future for our nation and the world. 

Sustainability is defined as meeting the needs of the present without compromising the ability of 

future generations to meet their needs, and involves the simultaneous and balanced pursuit of 

economic viability, environmental stewardship, and public responsibility. 

The Sustainable NREL program was created to realize the vision of greater sustainability in 

NREL operations. It is an interdisciplinary initiative involving staff from numerous NREL 

centers and offices with the goals of maximizing efficient use of resources; minimizing waste 

and pollution; and serving as a positive force in economic, environmental, and public 

responsibility. Elements of the environmental stewardship component of Sustainable NREL 

include: 

• Renewable energy solutions 

• Sustainable green buildings, campus planning, and transportation 

• Water, electricity, and natural gas use reduction 

• Greenhouse gas emission reductions 

• Reduce, reuse, recycle, and rebuy materials use 

• Public responsibility / community outreach 

• Environmental management. 

Sustainable NREL carries out NREL’s commitments to, among other things, reducing energy use 

in its building operations, designing energy efficient and environmentally sensitive new 

buildings, reducing water consumption, decreasing greenhouse gas emissions, minimizing the 

impact of local NREL travel on the environment, using less fossil-based fuel for local operations, 

incorporating renewable energy technologies into its on-site STM and NWTC operations, and 

creating less waste by reducing, reusing, and recycling materials for laboratory operations. 

The EMS supports Sustainable NREL’s goals by focusing on protecting the natural and cultural 

resources on and around NREL sites by: 

• Reviewing NREL’s potential for environmental impacts through emissions, discharges, 

waste generation, and land use. 

• Conducting required permitting activities. 

• Managing site natural resources so as to protect and preserve them in their natural 

character to the extent possible, while still fulfilling NREL’s mission. 
NREL Environmental Performance Report - 2007 Page 27 

• Managing site cultural resources so as to document resources of significance and 

minimize disturbance whenever possible. 

• Recommending and coordinating measures to minimize any potential impacts NREL’s 

activities have on the environment. 

There is synergy between Sustainable NREL and environmental protection activities of the 

ESH&Q Office as both address components of NREL’s environmental footprint. Together, 

Sustainable NREL and the EMS form a single environmental program that is integrated with 

NREL’s other management processes. 

More detail is provided in this report about the following sustainability-related efforts at NREL: 

• Pollution Prevention activities are discussed in Section 5.9. 

• Sustainable landscaping is described in Section 5.10, Vegetation Management. 
5. Environmental Programs 

The overarching objective of NREL’s EMS and its component programs is responsible 

stewardship of the environment on its DOE-owned sites, leased properties, and to the extent 

practicable, on subcontractor and partner sites. NREL strives to protect the natural environment 

by minimizing or eliminating any adverse environmental impacts resulting from NREL 

activities. The laboratory’s EMS is integrated with other NREL management systems and applies 

to all research and operations activities. The EMS includes written environmental protection 

policy and program implementation documents. These are put into practice at all staff and 

management levels. 

NREL’s EMS includes components to address waste, air, water, site, natural and cultural 

resources, and land and soil issues, among others. Descriptions of the components of the EMS 

are provided in the following sections of this chapter; sections are organized by resource. Each 

section is composed of three areas of discussion: a summary of the environmental management 

of the resource, a discussion of any relevant permitting, and a summary of significant activities 

that have occurred throughout FY2007. 

A summary of NREL’s permits, registrations, and notifications are presented in Appendix A. 

These permits are discussed in the following relevant sections. 

5.1 Air Quality Protection 

5.1.1 Program Management 

Management in this area is consistent with the following NREL programs: Environmental 

Permitting and Notification (6-2.1), Air Quality Protection (6-2.5), Ozone-Depleting Substances 

Management (6-2.6), and Particulate Emissions Control for Construction (6-2.14). 

5.1.1.1 Criteria, Hazardous, and Non-Criteria Pollutants 

The Clean Air Act and state of Colorado laws and regulations delineate several main categories 

for air pollutants: 

• Criteria air pollutants (e.g., carbon monoxide, nitrogen oxides, sulfur dioxide, particulate 

matter, ozone, and lead) 

• Non-criteria pollutants (e.g., ammonia, hydrogen sulfide, pesticides, organic compounds, 

metallic compounds, and corrosives) 

• Hazardous air pollutants (e.g., includes organic compounds, metals, corrosives, asbestos, 

radionuclides, and pesticides) 

• Ozone depleting substances (e.g., chlorofluorocarbons or “freons”). 

There are notification and permitting thresholds for criteria, hazardous, and non-criteria 

pollutants. The primary potential sources of these pollutants at NREL include boilers, emergency 

generators, experimental laboratory hoods, pilot scale research projects, and small pieces of 

equipment with gasoline or diesel engines. NREL maintains air emission inventories to track 

potential air emissions and identify whether notification and permitting could be required for a 

particular facility or activity. Fugitive particulate emissions from construction activities 

occurring on NREL’s sites are also a potential source. 

NREL Environmental Performance Report- 2007 Page 28 
5.1.1.2 Ozone Depleting Substances 

Facilities that service refrigeration equipment containing ozone-depleting substances (ODS) are 

required to file an annual notification with the CDPHE. EPA-certified technicians must service 

this equipment, and NREL has certified technicians on staff that perform this type of service. 

Another requirement of the State’s Chlorofluoro Carbon program is that all refrigeration 

equipment larger than 100 hp that uses ODSs be registered with CDPHE. NREL has a total of 

three chillers that are registered with CDPHE; two located at the Solar Energy Research Facility 

(SERF) on the STM Site, and one at the DWOP. 

Halon-based fire suppression systems previously used at NREL were eliminated by 1999, with 

all supplies of Halon being transferred to other DOE facilities for “banking.” 

5.1.1.3 Street Sanding 

CDPHE regulations require federal, state, and local government facilities to track street sanding 

in the wintertime, and to make efforts to minimize sand use. NREL complies with this 

requirement and files an annual sanding report with CDPHE. From October 2006 to May 2007, 

NREL used 20 tons of sand during 12 sanding episodes. NREL maintains 12.3 lane-miles of 

roads. From October 2007 to May 2008, NREL used 25 tons of sand during 22 sanding episodes, 

while continuing to maintain 12.3 lane-miles of road. 

5.1.2 Permitting 

Most potential sources of air emissions from NREL laboratory and facility operations in 2007 

were small scale and did not require permitting. Permitting thresholds are generally 50, 500, 

1,000, or 2,000 pounds, depending on the pollutant. Projected emissions for these sources were 

either below thresholds for air permitting or the state reviewed the operation and determined 

emissions to be negligible in terms of impacts to the environment. 

Two site-wide permits for particulate emissions from construction activities have been issued to 

NREL by CDPHE. NREL has held such permits for a number of years. New site-wide permits 

were issued in February 2005 to replace previously held permits on which the time period of 

applicability had expired. One permit covers the STM site and the other covers the NWTC. 

NREL also holds one air emissions permit for an experimental pilot process in the Field Test 

Laboratory Building (FTLB) on the STM Site. The permit was issued in 2000 for the operation 

of a thermal oxidizer emission control device for the experimental Thermochemical Process 

Demonstration Unit (TCPDU). An Air Pollution Emission Notice (APEN) update was filed with 

the Colorado Air Pollution Control Division in 2005. 

5.1.3 2007 Activities 

Two APENs were filed in early 2005, one for the STM and one for the NWTC, for overlot 

grading and associated construction activities to address fugitive particulate emissions. These 

APENs will expire in 2010. Significant activities not associated with routine maintenance or 

small construction projects identified in the APEN submission were evaluated on a case-by-case 

basis in 2007. It was not necessary to submit an updated APEN. 

NREL Environmental Performance Report- 2007 Page 29 
As required by CDPHE every five years, an APEN update was filed in May 2005 to update the 

information provided in the original APEN for TCPDU activities. There have been no significant 

changes to the operating parameters or air emissions of the TCPDU in the last seven years, 

including 2007. 

In early 2007, NREL received initial approval from CDPHE’s Air Pollution Control Division for 

the construction and operation of a woodwaste-fired boiler to provide building comfort heating 

for the STM campus. Construction was completed in the fall of 2008, and the equipment will 

become operational in late 2008. 

5.2 Drinking Water 

5.2.1 Program Management 

Management in this area is consistent with the following NREL Programs: Drinking Water (6-

2.3) and Environmental Permitting and Notification (6-2.1). 

Drinking water is provided to NREL’s STM and DWOP sites by a public water supply, 

Consolidated Mutual Water Company. Water to the Joyce Street and ReFUEL Facilities is also 

provided by a public water supply. NREL supplies drinking water to its NWTC by trucking in 

water from local public water supplies through a subcontracted water hauler. NREL stores the 

water on site in a buried 15,000-gallon storage tank and an above ground 2,000-gallon tank. The 

water hauler fills the 15,000-gallon tank, and water is pumped on demand to the 2,000-gallon 

tank where it is distributed to the Industrial User Facility (IUF), Building 251, and the hydrogen 

test pad on the west end of the site. 

Disinfection boosting is performed at the NWTC using a chlorine disinfection system. 

Monitoring for bacteria (total coliforms), chlorine levels, haloacetic acids and trihalomethanes 

(disinfection by-products), and lead and copper is performed at the NWTC according to the 

requirements of CDPHE. NREL qualifies for reduced lead and copper monitoring. Current state 

requirements for NWTC system monitoring are as follows: 

• Bacteria – monthly 

• Chlorine levels – weekly, or more frequently as needed 

• Haloacetic acids (HAA5) – quarterly 

• Total Trihalomethanes (TTHM) – quarterly 

• Lead and copper – triennially 

Samples are collected from three locations at the NWTC: Building 251, the IUF, and the 

hydrogen test pad. No coliforms were detected in any of the samples taken during 2007. Monthly 

reporting is provided to the state for the bacterial analyses. 

Monitoring for lead and copper was completed as scheduled during the summer of 2002. All 

samples collected were well below the action levels. Sampling according to NREL’s reduced 

monitoring plan with CDPHE was not to be required again until the summer of 2005; however, 

the state requested NREL collect lead and copper samples in 2004 and 2005. All lead and copper 

NREL Environmental Performance Report- 2007 Page 30 
levels were below action levels. No monitoring for lead and copper was required by CDPHE in 

2007. 

Chlorine residual monitoring of the NWTC drinking water system began with the installation of 

the chlorine disinfection system in 2000. Monitoring is performed to ensure the chlorine residual 

levels are detectable, with a target concentration of at least 0.2 mg/L of chlorine present to 

provide sufficient disinfection at the monitoring locations. Colorado requires that chlorine 

residual monitoring occur when collecting monthly bacterial samples. NREL monitors chlorine 

residual levels in the system on a weekly basis and also measures chlorine levels of drinking 

water that is delivered to the NWTC. Results are provided to the state on a monthly basis. 

Chlorine was present at appropriate levels in all samples collected in 2007. The running annual 

average of the maximum residual disinfectant level for CY2007 was 0.536 ppm. 

If any treatment is performed on supplied drinking water, state regulation requires that a statelicensed operator supervise the treatment. NREL hires a subcontracted operator with a Class A 

license to supervise the disinfection and filtration operations and to perform the necessary 

sampling. 

5.2.2 Permitting/Notifications 

NREL has a registered Public Water Supply Identification Number (PWSID) issued by CDPHE 

for the drinking water it provides at the NWTC. This identification number does not require 

periodic renewal, but periodic testing and record keeping is required in connection with the 

PWSID. No identification is needed for NREL’s STM, DWOP, JSF, or ReFUEL sites, as water 

is piped from a municipal supplier and NREL does not alter or treat the water in any way. 

5.2.3 2007 Activities

In 2007, 211,570 gallons of potable water were delivered to the NWTC, an average daily 

consumption rate of 589 gallons per day. NREL conducted all required monitoring for 2007 and 

all reported results met drinking water standards. Bacteria were absent in all samples collected, 

and disinfectant was detected at all locations tested. The annual running average for chlorine 

residual was 0.536 ppm. 

Plans to install an automated disinfection system, begun in 2006, were completed in 2007. This 

system is intended to overcome problems of excess chlorine added to the system at week’s end in 

order to maintain residual levels over the weekends. Reducing residual chlorine levels will also 

reduce the potential for producing disinfectant byproducts, TTHMs, and HAA5s. Installation of 

the controller and probe was completed in 2007 and the system was brought on-line. 

As reported last year, CDPHE notified NREL that the maximum contaminant level for total 

TTHMs had been exceeded in the annual sample collected in August 2006. As a result, quarterly 

monitoring for disinfection byproducts (DBP) was implemented in 2006 and continued 

throughout 2007. While only the maximum containment level for TTHMs was exceeded, state 

regulations require monitoring for HAA5s as well as TTHMs. The running annual average 

(RAA) for TTHMs in 2007 was 0.068 mg/L, below the maximum contaminant level of 0.080 

mg/L and in compliance with the water quality requirement. The RAA for HAA5s was 0.034 

mg/L, below the maximum contaminant level of 0.060 mg/L, also in compliance with the water 

NREL Environmental Performance Report- 2007 Page 31 
quality requirement. In order to return to an annual monitoring program for DBPs, the state 

regulations require that the RAA be below 0.060 mg/L and 0.045 mg/L for TTHMs and HAA5s, 

respectively. In 2007, water at NWTC was in compliance with all Colorado water quality 

requirements, but did not meet the threshold to drop back to annual disinfection byproduct 

monitoring, so the quarterly monitoring program will continue. 

CDPHE’s Water Quality Control Division conducted a formal Sanitary Survey of the NWTC 

drinking water system in 2008. The system was found to be in compliance with requirements. 

Three recommendations for improvement were identified during the survey. Details of this 

review will be provided in the 2008 report. 

5.3 Groundwater Protection 

5.3.1 Program Management 

Management in this area is consistent with NREL’s Groundwater Protection Program (6-2.4). 

Because of the sensitive nature of the groundwater resource, NREL is careful to evaluate all 

outdoor projects to attempt to eliminate their potential to impact groundwater quality. If there are 

any materials used that could pose a potential ground water risk, the laboratory typically insists 

that safeguards to protect groundwater be established. Safeguards include, but are not limited to, 

secondary containment for equipment that could have the potential to leak oil, double wall tanks 

with leak detection for diesel fuel storage for NREL facilities’ emergency generators, and 

bermed areas to contain experimental materials. 

In 1990 groundwater characterization began on the STM site with the installation of a monitoring 

well network. Eight wells were installed at the base of the mesa slope. Four wells were installed 

upgradient of NREL development in order to provide an indicator that contaminants were not 

being transported onto the NREL site, and four wells were placed in a generally downgradient 

direction to verify that NREL activities had not adversely affected groundwater quality. 

Quarterly sampling was performed for five calendar quarters, followed by annual sampling for 

three years. There was no evidence of contamination found. In addition, routine follow-up 

sampling was done in 1997. Three of the initial eight wells were closed (in accordance with state 

requirements) due to construction activities in 1993, and a fourth was found to be inaccessible 

during the 1997 sampling, presumably also due to construction activity in the area. Therefore, 

follow-up samples were only collected from four of the original monitoring wells: three 

upgradient wells and one downgradient of NREL development. No evidence of contamination 

was found in the 1997 sampling. 

NREL has not conducted groundwater monitoring at its leased DWOP site as there have been no 

activities that pose an unusual risk to groundwater quality. If NREL had reason to suspect a 

groundwater quality problem, the issue would be addressed with Denver West Management. 

DWOP management contracted with an engineering firm to conduct a groundwater monitoring 

study in 1988 adjacent to the NREL-leased buildings. Two monitoring wells were drilled. There 

were no detections of significant levels of contaminants. 

NREL Environmental Performance Report- 2007 Page 32 
The NWTC currently has no open or active groundwater wells. There was a water supply well 

that provided water to Building 251 when DOE’s Rocky Flats Office operated the site. In 1993, 

NREL collected one round of water samples from this well and the associated water distribution 

and treatment system for the purpose of determining the most feasible alternative for water 

supply to the site. Based on the sampling results, it was determined that the maintenance and 

repairs required to make the existing well and treatment system effective were extensive, and 

there was an indication of the potential for trace organic compounds in the water. Therefore, 

when DOE's Golden Field Office assumed landlord responsibility for the site in 1993, the 

connection between the building and the well was severed. The water supply well was plugged 

and abandoned in accordance with state regulations by an NREL subcontractor in 1996. Potable 

water is currently transported to the site, as described in section 5.2. NREL has not done any 

other groundwater sampling at the site. Groundwater sampling will be conducted if future 

activities pose a risk to the groundwater quality.

There has been no groundwater study performed by NREL at the JSF, as NREL has not 

conducted any activities at the site that pose an unusual risk to ground water. All activities at the 

site are conducted inside the facility with the exception of routine deliveries and pick-up of 

inventory stored in the warehouse. No groundwater studies have been performed by NREL in 

proximity to the ReFUEL facility, as it is located in a heavily industrialized area and NREL has 

not had any releases to the environment that would pose a risk to groundwater. 

There is currently no ongoing routine groundwater monitoring program on any NREL site 

because, with one exception, there have been no activities identified that currently or historically 

pose a significant risk to ground water. The one occurrence that had the potential to impact 

ground water was a diesel leak to the environment in June 1998 from a failed check valve on the 

PDU emergency generator aboveground storage tank at the Alternative Fuels User Facility 

(AFUF). The majority of contaminated soil was excavated and removed from the site for 

disposal at a permitted landfill. Three ground water monitoring wells were installed at the site in 

September 1998, one upgradient and two downgradient. No hydrocarbon contamination was 

detected in the ground water during the initial sampling of the three wells, or during follow-up 

sampling conducted in March and September 1999, and March 2000. These three monitoring 

wells were closed in 2006 in accordance with Colorado requirements. 

5.3.2 Permitting 

All groundwater monitoring wells installed by NREL at the STM site have been permitted with 

the Colorado Department of Natural Resources. 

5.3.3 2007 Activities

In 2007, there were no new groundwater-related activities.

5.4 Wastewater Discharge 

5.4.1 Program Management 

Management in this area is consistent with NREL’s Waste Management and Minimization 

Program (6-2.8). 

NREL Environmental Performance Report- 2007 Page 33 
The majority of wastewater from NREL’s STM and DWOP facilities flows into the Pleasant 

View Water and Sanitation District’s system, and ultimately to Metropolitan Wastewater 

Reclamation District’s (Metro) treatment plant. There is a small septic system consisting of a 

tank and absorption field on the mesa top, serving the Solar Radiation Research Laboratory 

(SRRL), because there is no sewer line to the mesa top. Wastewater from the JSF and the 

ReFUEL facility also flows to Metro’s treatment plant. The NWTC is not connected to a sewer 

system, but has two septic systems that include tanks and absorption fields for the treatment of 

wastewater. 

It is NREL policy that hazardous chemicals are not to be discharged to the sewer system, and 

NREL staff is trained in this policy. In addition, NREL sites have design criteria for waste drains 

in lab areas to minimize the possibility of a hazardous material discharge. These criteria include 

measures such as secondary containment for any chemicals used near sinks in laboratory exhaust 

hoods, no floor drains in laboratory areas unless a specific need can be shown, and caps for any 

floor drains that are installed in lab areas. New research and operations activities as well as 

ongoing activities that undergo significant modifications are reviewed for their potential effect 

on wastewater character through NREL’s risk assessment process. 

5.4.2 Permitting 

No permitting for the majority of NREL’s wastewater discharges is required. NREL has no 

direct wastewater discharges to the environment at the DWOP, ReFUEL, or JSF, so no National 

Pollutant Discharge Elimination System (NPDES) permitting is necessary. NREL maintains 

three individual sewage disposal systems, two at the NWTC and one at the STM site. The 

remainder of NREL facility wastewater is discharged to Metro through the sanitary sewer 

system. NREL facilities are currently classified by Metro as non-industrial water users at these 

sites. As non-industrial users, NREL sites do not need a permit from Metro for sewer discharge, 

and monitoring for pollutants in wastewater is not required. 

NREL maintains septic permits from Jefferson County (an authority delegated to the counties 

under a state of Colorado program) for the NWTC’s IUF and Bldg. 251 septic systems, as well 

as for the SRRL facility on the STM site mesa top. 

5.4.3 2007 Activities 

In 2007, there were no new wastewater discharge activities. 

5.5 Surface Water Protection (Stormwater and Erosion Control) 

5.5.1 Program Management 

Management in this area is consistent with the following NREL Programs: Stormwater Pollution 

Prevention for Construction Activities at the STM (6-2.15), Stormwater Pollution Prevention for 

Construction Activities at the NWTC (6-2.16), and Environmental Permitting and Notification 

(6-2.1). 

Limited stormwater monitoring was conducted at the STM site during the summers of 1992 and 

1993 to characterize surface water quality at NREL's existing level of activity at that time, and to 

confirm that NREL's activities were not adversely impacting stormwater quality on the STM site. 

NREL Environmental Performance Report- 2007 Page 34 
Sampling indicated that NREL's activities are not resulting in contamination of stormwater 

runoff. 

No stormwater monitoring has been conducted at NREL’s other sites. In 1998, surface water 

samples were taken in two drainages at the NWTC in connection with NREL’s weed control 

efforts. No traces of the herbicide applied to weed-infested areas were detected in the water 

samples. 

Outdoor research projects are reviewed during the planning stages, through NREL’s NEPA and 

risk assessment processes, for potential impacts to surface water. Measures to prevent impacts 

are incorporated, as appropriate, into the design for each project. Such control measures could 

include secondary containment and bermed areas where chemicals will be used, or installation of 

a cover or roof to protect chemical use and storage areas from precipitation and adverse weather 

conditions. 

Stormwater Pollution Prevention Plans (SPPP) have been written for construction activities on 

both the STM and NWTC (6-2.15 and 6-2.16, respectively). Erosion and sediment controls are 

implemented according to the plans, and periodic site inspections are conducted to verify that the 

controls are functioning properly and to identify any repairs to the erosion and sediment controls 

that are needed. Written reports are issued for each inspection, with corrective actions assigned 

to responsible staff when necessary. The SPPPs also require prompt revegetation of disturbed 

areas. Provisions of the SPPPs are implemented through coordination with NREL’s construction 

subcontractors. 

5.5.2 Permitting 

NPDES notification for stormwater discharges on federal facilities in Colorado is under the 

jurisdiction of the EPA. In 2007, NREL was covered under the EPA’s general permit for 

stormwater discharge associated with construction activities on the STM S&TF project. Both 

MRI, as operator, and DOE, as site owner, have filed NOIs for appropriate construction activities 

on the STM site. This permit was terminated in 2008 after sufficient vegetation coverage was 

achieved. 

In May 2007, a small Quonset-type metal building was constructed at the NWTC for wind 

turbine blade preparation activities. Both MRI, as operator, and DOE, as site owner, have filed 

NOIs for this construction on the NWTC site. This permit was terminated in 2008 after sufficient 

vegetation coverage was achieved. 

No permits are required for NREL’s routine operations. 

5.5.3 2007 Activities 

NREL implemented numerous stormwater protection and erosion control practices, according to 

the SPPPs, throughout 2007 for small projects that did not require a NPDES construction general 

permit. Examples include, but are not limited to, practices at the RFHP construction site and PV 

shade structure at the Outdoor Test Facility (OTF), and other small projects disturbing soil. 

NREL Environmental Performance Report- 2007 Page 35 
5.6 Waste Management 

5.6.1 Program Management 

Management in this area is consistent with the following NREL Programs: Waste Management 

and Minimization (6-2.8) and Environmental Permitting and Notification (6-2.1). 

Hazardous wastes are handled and disposed of according to the RCRA and the Colorado 

Hazardous Waste Act. NREL’s waste primarily consists of a broad range of hazardous laboratory 

chemicals in small quantities. Wastes in solid or liquid form are collected in each laboratory or at 

each experiment site and prepared for off-site disposal by the NREL ESH&Q personnel. 

Hazardous waste is transported to EPA-permitted facilities for treatment and disposal. In 

addition, NREL has a conservative waste management policy where materials that are not 

regulated by RCRA, yet pose a potential hazard, are collected and disposed of as non-hazardous 

materials at RCRA-permitted disposal facilities. 

NREL facilities also generate small quantities of low-level radioactive wastes. This waste 

normally consists of personal protective equipment, disposable lab ware, scintillation fluids, and 

water-based liquids. Radioactive waste is shipped off-site for disposal on an as-needed basis. 

5.6.2 Permitting 

NREL has five separate sites that have the potential to produce limited quantities of hazardous 

waste in various amounts. Each of the five sites has a RCRA waste generator identification 

number issued by the state of Colorado. The STM location is classified as a "small quantity 

generator," generating less than 1,000 kg of waste per month. The other four sites—the Joyce 

Street Facility, the National Wind Technology Center, the Denver West Office Park and the 

ReFUEL facility—are classified as "conditionally exempt small quantity generators," generating 

less than 100 kg of waste per month. 

5.6.3 2007 Activities 

In CY2007, NREL shipped 27,321 pounds (12,393 kg) of hazardous waste, 11,716 pounds 

(5,314 kg) of non-RCRA regulated waste, and 12,178 pounds (5,524 kg) of universal waste for 

disposal and recycling from all five sites combined. Universal waste includes batteries, 

fluorescent light bulbs, and electronic equipment. 

In 2007, no radioactive waste was generated or shipped for off-site disposal. Information 

regarding the types and quantities of radioactive materials used at NREL facilities is detailed in 

Section 5.16. 

On September 20 and 27, 2007, two representatives from EPA Region 8 conducted RCRA site 

inspections of NREL’s leased facilities in the DWOP and STM facilities. In addition to 

inspecting waste generation and storage areas, the inspectors also reviewed employee training 

records and the ESH&Q hazardous waste records. EPA had no findings for the DWOP facilities. 

The items noted by the EPA inspectors for the STM facilities resulted in the issuance of a 

warning letter on December 19, 2007. 

NREL Environmental Performance Report- 2007 Page 36 
The warning letter identified five findings and four issues of concern pertaining to container 

labeling and management, and formal agreements with local emergency response entities. The 

necessary corrective actions were identified and implemented, and the EPA subsequently closed 

the matter. Included in the corrective actions was the development of a Hazardous Waste 

Program Improvement Plan which outlined measures to be taken through the end of FY2008 to 

fortify hazardous waste management activities at NREL. The improvement plan activities will be 

discussed in the CY2008 annual report. 

5.7 Storage Tanks (Underground and Aboveground) 

5.7.1 Program Management 

Management in this area is consistent with the following NREL programs: Aboveground Storage 

Tank Management (6-2.7) and Spill Prevention Control and Countermeasures (6-2.10). NREL 

does not have any underground tanks with hazardous materials. 

NREL facilities store diesel fuel for emergency generators and ethanol from research activities in 

aboveground storage tanks. NREL's tank management program focuses on proper tank design, 

operation, and inspection to protect against spills and leaks. The program is designed to meet 

regulatory requirements and is more stringent in many areas than regulations require. 

Several important mechanical and procedural safeguards have been incorporated into NREL’s 

tank management program to prevent any accidental releases of diesel fuel from the storage 

tanks. Mechanical safeguards include overfill and spill protection as well as double wall tanks 

with sensors that result in an alarm if the inner tank wall is leaking. Procedural safeguards 

include written operating procedures and tank filling procedures. All tanks larger than 110 

gallons are visually inspected at least once per month. 

Due to the quantity of fuels stored on the STM, NWTC, and ReFUEL sites, a Spill Prevention 

Control and Countermeasures Plan is required. This plan describes the site topography and 

neighboring areas, and outlines the steps necessary to mitigate any spills or leaks of diesel fuel. 

To date, NREL has not had any off-site impacts related to tank activities. 

5.7.2 Permitting 

Aboveground tanks larger than 660 gallons require annual registration with the state of Colorado. 

Currently, only two tanks meet the registration threshold: the SERF emergency generator diesel 

storage tank and the Process Demonstration Unit (PDU) ethanol storage tank at the AFUF. Both 

are located on the STM site. 

5.7.3 2007 Activities 

An inspection of NREL’s regulated ASTs was conducted by the Colorado Department of Labor 

and Employment’s Oil Inspection Section in 2007 and no deficiencies were identified. No spills 

or releases from NREL’s ASTs occurred during 2007. 

NREL Environmental Performance Report- 2007 Page 37 
5.8 Hazardous Materials Management 

5.8.1 Program Management 

Management in this area is consistent with the following NREL programs: Chemical Safety 

Program (6-4.6) and Asbestos Management Program (6-4.18) 

No active or abandoned hazardous waste sites have been identified on any of the laboratory sites. 

Therefore, many sections of the Comprehensive Environmental Response, Compensation, and 

Liability Act do not apply to NREL facilities. 

NREL facilities are subject to the emergency reporting requirements in Title III of the SARA, 

also known as the EPCRA. Section 302 of EPCRA requires a facility to notify the State 

Emergency Response Commission (SERC) that it is subject to emergency planning and 

notification requirements if any chemicals in the facility's inventory are stored in quantities 

greater than prescribed threshold planning quantities (TPQ). NREL facilities first became subject 

to planning and notification requirements in 1988. 

EPCRA Section 304 requires facilities to immediately notify the Local Emergency Planning 

Committee (LEPC) if there is an accidental spill or release of more than the predetermined RQ. 

In accordance with Section 311 and 312 of EPCRA, NREL provides Material Safety Data Sheets 

(MSDS) for chemicals that are stored on-site in quantities greater than TPQs, and provides 

inventory reporting for these same chemicals in the form of Tier I or Tier II reports to emergency 

planning and response groups. 

When requested, NREL provides additional emergency response and reporting information to the 

Jefferson County LEPC, the SERC, West Metro Fire Protection District, and Rocky Mountain 

Fire Protection District. The Jefferson County LEPC uses hazard categories and threshold 

reporting quantities as defined by the Uniform Fire Code rather than those specified in SARA 

Title III, resulting in a larger number of individual hazard categories and lower reporting 

thresholds. NREL has been represented in the LEPC since its inception and is actively involved 

in the emergency planning concepts of SARA Title III with two acting members on the Jefferson 

County LEPC. 

The laboratory is also subject to reporting requirements in the event of a release of an RQ of any 

hazardous substance listed by EPCRA. EPCRA Section 313 requires that a toxic chemical 

release inventory report (Form R) be filed with the EPA for any chemical that is manufactured, 

processed, or otherwise used in quantities exceeding TPQs. Although NREL is not a 

manufacturing facility and does not fall within any of the standard industrial classification (SIC) 

codes for which Section 313 reporting is required, EO 12856 requires all federal facilities to file 

a report, if applicable, regardless of SIC code. NREL has never manufactured, processed, or 

otherwise used chemicals on the 313 list in quantities exceeding TPQs, so has never had to report 

under Section 313. 

Section 112r of the Clean Air Act regulates numerous toxic and flammable substances, and 

threshold quantities are established under Section 112r of the Clean Air Act. All thresholds are 

NREL Environmental Performance Report- 2007 Page 38 
100, 500, 2500, 5000, 10,000, 15,000, or 20,000 pounds, depending on the material. The 

threshold quantity applies to the quantity of substance in a single process, not at the facility as a 

whole. To date, NREL has not met the thresholds that trigger applicability of Section 112r. 

NREL has a laboratory-wide chemical management system (CMS) that serves as a centralized 

chemical inventory as well as a tool for managing and reporting on chemicals used at the 

laboratory. Using an electronic bar-coding system, the CMS tracks chemicals from the point of 

receipt through end-use and disposal. The system also contains technical data and reporting 

information for many of the chemicals in the CMS database. Key functions of the system 

include: 

• Providing current inventories by room, building, and/or site. 

• Improving research efficiency and minimizing hazardous waste generation by allowing 

staff to determine if needed chemicals are already available on site prior to making 

chemical purchases. 

• Providing quick access to chemical inventories and hazard information during emergency 

responses. 

• Facilitating accurate and efficient reporting to external agencies (e.g., fire districts, 

LEPC, EPA, and DOE). 

In 2006, an extensive wall-to-wall chemical inventory was conducted at all NREL facilities. At 

the same time, the chemical inventory software was upgraded to the current version and the 

program was mounted on a dedicated server. One of the features of the new software is wider 

user accessibility through the NREL intranet. Users may now access the database to review their 

chemical inventory or search for a chemical elsewhere at NREL. 

In 2007, ESH&Q personnel provided special training sessions to acquaint laboratory personnel 

with the new features of the upgraded system and to demonstrate how to access the database and 

retrieve information most useful to them. The upgraded system also streamlined the reporting 

functions for existing chemical inventory reporting requirements, such as the 313 lists, and new 

requests for information, such as a 2007 inquiry from the Department of Homeland Security for 

information about specific chemicals at federal facilities. The upgraded chemical inventory 

system was able to meet the new requirements. 

Asbestos surveys have been conducted in a number of NREL facilities: the Joyce Street Facility, 

Building 251 at the NWTC, Building 16, the STM Site, the AFUF (only older areas of the 

building), the FTLB, and the SRRL. No asbestos was found at the Joyce Street Facility and the 

AFUF. The other facilities have limited amounts of asbestos-containing material in areas such as 

floor tile, lab countertops, caulking and sealants, and roofing materials. Asbestos-containing 

materials are left undisturbed whenever possible. If renovation is planned that will disturb 

asbestos-containing material, then certified asbestos removal contractors are used and strict 

asbestos removal procedures are followed. An Asbestos Management Program is in effect for all 

NREL facilities. 

5.8.2 Permitting 

NREL obtains annual Hazardous Material Permits from West Metro Fire Protection District for 

the STM and DWOP sites. The permits are required by West Metro. NREL obtains permits for a 

NREL Environmental Performance Report- 2007 Page 39 
total of six buildings where hazardous materials are stored and/or used. Prior to issuing the 

permits, a representative from West Metro conducts a walk-through inspection of the entire STM 

site and DWOP. 

5.8.3 2007 Activities 

West Metro conducted a walk-through inspection of NREL’s STM and DWOP facilities in the 

summer of 2007. Annual Hazardous Materials Permits for the six buildings were issued 

following the inspection. The CMS was used to provide complete chemical inventories for each 

facility to West Metro when applying for Hazardous Materials Permits in 2007. The CMS was 

also used to post individual laboratory chemical inventories on the ESH&Q website. 

In 2007, NREL had three chemicals on site in quantities that exceeded the TPQs: sulfuric acid, 

hydrofluoric acid, and hydrogen selenide. The proper MSDSs and Tier II forms were submitted 

to state and local emergency response organizations, and the local fire department. In 2007, 

NREL facilities had no releases exceeding the RQ of any reportable material under EPCRA. As a 

research and development laboratory, NREL does not manufacture or process any materials, and 

during 2007, the laboratory did not use any materials on the Section 313 list in quantities 

exceeding the 4536 kg (10,000 lb) TPQ. 

In December 2006, NREL conducted a risk assessment of select areas of Building 16 in the 

DWOP to assess the current health risk due to past laboratory work. Two locations were 

identified as having low levels of residual arsenic dust contamination. These locations had an 

arsenic concentration above the “allowable surface contamination level for office areas” of 

20μg/100cm2

, but below the “allowable surface contamination level for manufacturing areas” of 

100μg/100cm2. In early 2007 NREL initiated a cleanup of the areas. Final sampling and analyses 

indicated all arsenic concentrations were below the limit of detection for the applicable analytical 

method. 

5.9 Pollution Prevention and Sustainability 

5.9.1 Program Management 

Management in this area is consistent with the following NREL programs: Environmental 

Management (6-2), Sustainable NREL (2-7), and NREL’s EMS description. A majority of the 

FY2007 activities discussed in this section were implemented by the Sustainable NREL Program 

and are grouped in the following categories: 

• Waste minimization, recycling, and green purchasing 

• Transportation 

• Energy 

• Renewable energy 

• GHG emissions 

• Water conservation 

• Sustainable building design 

• Technical assistance and outreach 

NREL Environmental Performance Report- 2007 Page 40 
5.9.2 Permitting 

NREL has no permitting requirements applicable to Pollution Prevention and Sustainability 

management. NREL, as a DOE Government Owned – Contractor Operated facility, does set 

objectives to meet goals established by Federal Executive Orders, i.e. EO 13423, and the parallel 

DOE Orders, i.e. 450.1A and DOE 430.2B 

5.9.3 2007 Activities 

5.9.3.1 Waste Minimization, Recycling, and Green Purchasing 

As a facility that focuses on the research, development, and application of renewable energy and 

energy efficiency technologies, NREL is committed to responsible environmental stewardship. A 

significant part of this effort is pollution prevention. NREL's Waste Management and 

Minimization Program outlines pollution prevention principles that are consistent with the EPA's 

hierarchy of preventing or reducing pollution at the source; recycling or reusing waste materials 

that cannot be prevented; and environmentally safe treatment and disposal of waste that cannot 

be prevented, recycled, or reused. Additionally, rebuying of recycled products is encouraged. 

Material Use Goals: 

Executive Order 13423 Goal Ensure that the laboratory reduces the quantity of toxic and hazardous 

chemicals and materials acquired, used, or disposed of by the laboratory; increase diversion of solid 

waste as appropriate; and maintain cost effective waste prevention and recycling programs. 

NREL Goal Near Zero Waste (working to eliminate the laboratory’s waste stream).

Progress NREL has a Chemical Management System that facilitates reducing the quantity of toxic 

and hazardous chemicals and materials acquired through sharing chemicals and redistribution of extra 

chemicals. Since FY 2003, NREL’s non-recycled solid waste has decreased and recycled waste increased. 

NREL has implemented reduce, reuse, re-buy, and recycling activities.

NREL’s current pollution prevention program includes training on waste handling, waste 

minimization, and methods to eliminate releases to air, soil, or wastewater. In addition, the 

ESH&Q Office integrates pollution prevention awareness into NREL activities in a number of 

ways. The proposed use of chemicals in projects are evaluated prior to use during project 

planning reviews, Safe Operating Procedure reviews, and Readiness Verifications conducted 

according to NREL’s Hazard Identification and Control Program (ESH 6-6.2). During these 

reviews, NREL staff evaluates opportunities for chemical substitution as well as methods of 

reducing the volume of chemicals used and waste streams generated. 

The use of bankcards for chemical purchases has been another means of reducing the volume of 

chemicals purchased, stored, and disposed at NREL. Under the bankcard purchasing system, a 

small group of chemical users are given privileges to order chemicals directly from the vendor 

using their bankcards. Because bankcard purchasing expedites chemical purchases over 

conventional purchasing processes at NREL, users order only the chemicals required for use in 

the immediate future, knowing that additional quantities can be quickly acquired if needed. The 

ESH&Q Office reviews all chemical purchases made using the bankcards. 

Recycling and reuse activities are important components of NREL’s pollution prevention 

program. A crosscutting committee composed of staff from around the laboratory, and led by 

NREL Environmental Performance Report- 2007 Page 41 
Sustainable NREL, provides guidance and assistance regarding NREL’s recycling program. As 

recommended by the EPA’s comprehensive recycling guidelines, items currently recycled or 

reused include the following: 

• Aluminum and tin cans • Laser printer cartridges 

• Batteries • Plastics (1 and 2 only) 

• Books, magazines, and newspaper • Scrap metal 

• Boxboard and cardboard • Transparencies 

• Computer monitors • Tyvek envelopes 

• Fluorescent bulbs • White and mixed paper 

• Freon from refrigerator units • Wooden pallets 

• Glass 

Numerous central recycling locations are available for most recycling needs throughout NREL 

facilities. NREL also offers a chemical redistribution program where chemicals in original 

containers are made available to staff at NREL and other DOE facilities to be reissued for 

research activities at no cost. The NREL CMS is used for redistributing chemicals to new users. 

In addition, NREL implemented and maintains an office supply reuse center in DWOP. This 

center encourages NREL employees to select reusable office supplies prior to purchasing new 

items. 

Since FY2003, NREL’s solid waste quantity has decreased and NREL’s recycled material 

quantity has increased. Data for some of the materials recycled by NREL during 2007 follow. 

Quantities listed are those entered into the DOE Pollution Prevention database, which tracks 

recycling and solid waste on a fiscal year (October 1 through September 30) basis. 

Table 5.1. FY2007 Quantities of Some Recycled Materials at NREL 

Recycled Material Quantity* 

Batteries 3,705 lbs 

Fluorescent bulbs 710 lbs 

Mixed metal 82,080 lbs 

Commingled containers, cardboard, office and mixed paper 273,268 lbs 

 Electronic waste 7,763 lbs 

* This list does not include all recycled materials as quantities are not tracked for all recycled materials. 

Sustainable NREL coordinated a voluntary employee electronics recycling program in 2007. A 

local electronic recycling company collected over 4,100 lbs of electronic waste through the 

participation of 43 NREL employees. 

NREL’s green purchasing activities include purchasing office supplies through an online catalog 

featuring environmentally preferable (recycled content) products and specifying recycling and 

recycled-content specifications in subcontracts. NREL’s procurement guidelines encourage staff 

to purchase green products whenever possible. In 2007, 100% of NREL’s supply of uncoated 

printing and writing paper contained recycled content. 

5.9.3.2 Federal Electronics Challenge (FEC) 

The FEC is a partnership program that assists federal agencies and facilities to manage electronic 

products in an environmentally green manner. The FEC is managed by the EPA and the Office 

NREL Environmental Performance Report- 2007 Page 42 
NREL Environmental Performance Report- 2007 Page 43 

Petroleum and Alternative Fuel Use Goals 

Executive Order 13423 Goal Reduce fleet total consumption of petroleum products by 2% annually 

through the end of FY 2015 as compared to the FY 2005 baseline.

Increase the total fleet fuel consumption that is non-petroleum-based by 10% annually.

Progress In FY 2007, NREL exceeded the E.O. FY 2015 fleet petroleum use reduction goal of 20% 

by achieving 28.1 % reduction. In addition, NREL exceeded the goal of increasing the FY 2007 use 

of non-petroleum-based fuel by 10% by increasing its alternative fuels use by 26%. 

Total Transportation Miles in FY07

Air

58%

Commuter

40%

Fleet

2%

of Federal Environmental Executive, and its goals align with EO 13423, “Strengthening Federal 

Environmental, Energy, and Transportation Management.” This program targets three life cycles 

of electronic products: 1) acquisition and procurement; 2) operation and maintenance (O&M); 

and 3) end-of-life management. 

In CY2007, NREL formed a team to apply for acceptance into the FEC. The core team consists 

of staff from Client Service, Sustainable NREL, and ESH&Q. The application submittal package 

was completed by the team prior to the January 31, 2008 deadline. Simultaneously, NREL 

applied for a 2007 FEC award based on activities completed to date. The award application was 

based on successful completion of 23 activities—13 “mandatory” requirements and 10 

“optional” requirements for the Silver-level Award. NREL received notification of acceptance 

into the FEC in May 2008, and was presented with the 2007 FEC Silver-level Award in June 

2008. A poster summary of the FEC program and NREL activities completed to receive this 

award is at: www.nrel.gov/docs/gen/fy08/43297.pdf . This poster was presented by NREL staff 

at the National Labs IT conference held in Chicago in May 2008. NREL’s FEC team currently 

continues participation in monthly NREL FEC meetings and strives to continuously improve 

electronics management efforts.

5.9.3.3 Transportation 

Transportation at the lab falls into three main categories: fleet vehicles, air travel, and employee 

commuting. NREL’s transportation strategy focuses on the lab’s fleet and supporting alternative 

transportation opportunities for employees. Figure 5.1 illustrates a percentage breakdown of 

transportation by mode. 

Figure 5.1. NREL transportation by mode in FY07
To describe the impact transportation has on the lab’s CO2 footprint, a calculation was done 

estimating the amount of CO2 emitted into the atmosphere. Thirteen percent (13%) of NREL’s 

total 2007 CO2 footprint was due to transportation. This breakdown examines NREL’s 

transportation impact and provides solutions to reduce transportation emissions. 

NREL’s fleet of 47 vehicles currently includes 35 alternative fuel vehicles (AFV) in their total 

fleet of 47 vehicles, representing almost 75% of NREL’s total fleet. The use of AFVs decreased 

NREL’s petroleum by 5,581 gallons in FY2007 and corresponds to a 28.1% decrease in 

petroleum consumption, exceeding the EO 13423 FY2015 goal of 20%. 

Additionally, NREL has made a major commitment to the use of bio-based fuels in its fleet since 

1997. Fifty-five percent (55%), or 26 vehicles of the 47 fleet vehicles, are fueled by E85 (85% 

ethanol). The fleet used 12,494 gallons of E85 in FY2007, more than 88% of the total fleet usage 

of 14,187 gas gallon equivalents of fuel. NREL is also actively exploring biodiesel use. 

NREL Fleet Petroleum Use 

5000

5500

6000

6500

7000

7500

8000

2005 Baseline 2006 2007 2015

Gallons Used

EO 13423 Goal

Actual Use

FY15 EO Goal

Figure 5.2. NREL fleet petroleum use 

Fleet vehicles are only part of the transportation strategy at the laboratory. Sustainable NREL 

actively encourages alternative commuting for employees. NREL-sponsored programs that 

support the use of alternative transportation include: 

• A free EcoPass for NREL employees in Colorado as part of their benefits package. This 

allows employees to use the RTD bus system free of charge. 

• A shuttle service, which uses alternative fuel vehicles to reduce vehicle miles traveled 

between buildings in Golden, Colorado, between the STM and DWOP sites. 

• An alternative work schedule policy, which allows employees to work varying schedules 

(with management approval), including four-day workweeks. 

Biking and walking are also viable commuting options for some NREL employees. NREL has 

NREL Environmental Performance Report- 2007 Page 44 
showering facilities and locker rooms on-site. External biking programs, such as Colorado’s Bike 

to Work Day, are also promoted. This year, 84 NREL employees registered in the event traveling 

more than 1,092 miles by bike and alternative methods, earning NREL the Business Challenge 

Winner – Class D award for Jefferson County. 

Air travel is also a concern for NREL, representing 58% of the total miles traveled in FY2007. 

The laboratory has two offices: one in Golden, Colorado, and the one in Washington, D.C. 

Employees were able to decrease air travel back and forth from these two offices by utilizing 

video conferencing equipment. During FY2007, the use of video conferencing eliminated the 

need for 121 domestic air flights, totaling 336,300 air miles. 

5.9.3.4 Energy 

Executive Order 13423 Goal Beginning in FY 2006 improve energy efficiency through reduction of 

energy use intensity by 3% annually through the end of FY 2015 or 30% by the end of FY 2015 as 

compared to the baseline energy use in FY 2003. 

DOE TEAM Goal To exceed the EO 13423 Goal. 

Progress FY 2007 energy use was 90% lower than the FY 2003 baseline due primarily to the interim 

utilization of renewable energy certificates (RECs). This significantly exceeds the FY 2007 and FY 

2015 reduction goals. NREL will exceed the FY 2015 goal in FY 2008 through the use of on-site 

renewable energy projects (exclusive of the use of RECs).

Energy Use Reduction Goal 

The major sources of energy use at NREL are building operation (particularly the laboratorytype buildings) and process loads associated with laboratory testing facilities. All major 

laboratory buildings are metered for electric and natural gas use. 

NREL manages its energy-use reduction activities through a comprehensive energy management 

plan. The primary activities include energy efficiency retrofits; sustainable, energy-efficient, 

new-building construction; use of on-site renewable energy; extensive use of site metering; 

energy-management control systems; peak demand management; and energy education. 

All buildings constructed since 1990 have been designed to be highly energy efficient. As a 

result, the lab’s primary energy use reduction opportunities are focused on designing and 

constructing energy efficient new buildings and maximizing the use of on-site renewable energy 

projects. The 71,000 sq. ft. S&TF, which went into initial operation in late FY2006, is a certified 

LEED platinum building featuring an aggressive energy efficiency design. This is also the first 

federal laboratory building to receive the LEED platinum rating. 

NREL Environmental Performance Report- 2007 Page 45 
Energy Use Reduction Progress

0

50,000

100,000

150,000

200,000

250,000

300,000

FY03 Baseline FY06 FY07 FY15 Goal

Btu/Sq. Ft.

E.O 13423 Baseline and Goal

Btu/Sq. Ft. without RECs

Btu/Sq. Ft. with RECs







 Annual Goals

1

Figure 5.3. Energy use reduction progress 

Comparing total NREL energy consumption in FY2007 to the FY2003 baseline, the energy 

consumption per gross square foot is 5% higher. This increase is attributable to: 1) the 

exceptionally cold 2006-2007 winter, and 2) the S&TF coming on line in late FY2006 at partial 

occupancy which resulted in artificially lowering the FY2006 energy use. In FY2007, the S&TF 

became fully operational and the energy data was for a full year. The total NREL energy 

consumption with RECs is 90% lower than the FY2003 baseline. Although NREL meets and far 

exceeds the DOE 430.2B goals in the interim with the purchases of RECs, NREL’s long-term 

plan is to meet or exceed the energy reduction goal by first maximizing the use of on-site 

renewable energy, second, implementing highly energy efficient new construction buildings, and 

third, continuing to systematically implement energy retrofits. 

5.9.3.4.1 Energy Efficiency Specifications for Renovations/New Construction 

NREL has always emphasized significantly greater levels of energy efficiency in its DOE-owned 

facilities than the federal standards require. Energy efficiency criteria have been incorporated 

into the established NREL design standards and specifications for all construction projects. All 

new buildings must meet, at a minimum, LEED Green Building Rating SystemTM Gold criteria. 

In addition, all new laboratory buildings are designed according to the principles of the 

Laboratories for the 21st Century Program. See Section 5.9.3.8 for more information on NREL’s 

sustainable building design. 

5.9.3.4.2 Energy Retrofits 

In August of 2007, NREL participated in a retro-commissioning study for the STM site with an 

energy consultant. The retro-commissioning study was financed through a cost-sharing effort 

between NREL and Xcel Energy. Xcel Energy is the local gas and electric utility company, 

which has a retro-commissioning program that helps finance the retro-commissioning 

investigation and report. The scope of the report was to provide the following: 

NREL Environmental Performance Report- 2007 Page 46 
• An Action Plan Report for improving and optimizing NREL’s building O&M; 

• Recommendations for capital improvements; and 

• Project cost estimates and estimated energy savings for each retro-commissioning 

measure (RCM). 

The study produced five RCMs with a total estimated project cost of $100,000; total estimated 

electrical energy savings of 908.2 MWh; and 10,269 Million BTUs of natural gas energy 

savings, resulting in an approximate 11% reduction of FY2007 energy consumption. The five 

RCMs have been added to NREL’s energy efficiency project list and will be proposed for either 

a General Plant Project or minor construction funding. 

5.9.3.5 Renewable Energy 

Two new on-site renewable energy projects were approved in FY2007 for FY2008 operation. A 

renewable fuel (wood wastes) combustion boiler will displace approximately 75% of the 

laboratory’s natural gas use and a 750 kW PV system will displace approximately 7% of the 

laboratory’s electricity use. 

NREL’s goal is to exceed the federal requirement and to maximize its use of renewable energy. 

For energy that is produced onsite (direct energy use), the goal is to produce this energy with 

renewables. Examples of direct energy use are natural gas used for building heating and the 

laboratory’s fleet vehicles. For energy that is produced offsite (indirect energy), the goal is to 

offset the related GHG emissions through the purchase of RECs. 

Renewable Energy Use Goals 

EPAct 2005 Goal Consumption of renewable energy shall be 3% for each year from FY 2007 through 

FY 2009; 5% from FY 2010 through FY 2012; and 7.5% from FY 2013 forward of annual electric 

consumption. 

Executive Order 13423 Goal At least half of the statutorily required renewable energy consumed 

each fiscal year shall come from “new” (post January 1, 1999) renewable sources. 

DOE TEAM Goal To exceed the EO 13423 Goal 

Colorado ELP Goal NREL expects to exceed the 3% FY2007 GHG reduction required by EO 13423. 

Progress FY 2007 renewable energy use was 100% of annual electric consumption due primarily to 

the utilization of on-site renewable energy projects and the purchase of RECs. One hundred percent 

of the renewable energy consumed was from “new” renewable resources. These results significantly

exceed the renewable energy generation and use goals. 

In FY07, electricity was generated by multiple photovoltaic projects. NREL has 46 kW of on-site 

PV that generates about 66,500 kWh of electricity each year. These photovoltaic panels are 

located at the SERF, the Site Entrance Building, the OTF, NWTC Site Entrance Building and 

Distributed Energy Test Facility, and remote applications including signs, walkways, and 

parking lighting. 

NREL Environmental Performance Report- 2007 Page 47 
The NWTC has approximately 1,600 kW of installed wind turbine capacity used for research 

purposes. When the turbines are running, the energy produced is used to offset simultaneous 

NWTC site electric energy use. The turbines produced over 45,800 kWh in FY2007. 

Onsite renewable thermal energy sources include solar hot water systems, ventilation air preheat 

systems, and extensive use of passive solar heating and day lighting. In FY2007, these sources 

produced some 10.2 MMBtu. 

NREL purchased 33,340 MWh of RECs through the Western Area Power Administration 

Federal Agency Master Purchase Agreement. The RECs purchased under this agreement are 

from “new” renewable energy projects derived from wind and biomass resources in California 

installed after January 1, 1999. From a GHG emissions standpoint, this REC purchase offsets 

100% of NREL’s comprehensive “carbon footprint,” making the laboratory “carbon neutral.” 

5.9.3.6 Greenhouse Gas Emissions 

Through the off-set purchase of RECs, and with regard to the total resources brought into, and 

the wastes generated and disposed of by the lab, NREL became “carbon neutral” in FY2006 in 

terms of CO2 production. NREL continued its carbon neutral status in FY2007. Figure 5.4 

represents NREL’s CO2 footprint. 

FY07 CO2 Emissions Breakdown

International Air 

Travel Emissions

1%

Electricity

76%

Natural Gas

11%

Commuter Vehicle 

Emissions

6%

Domestic Air Travel 

Emissions

6%

Figure 5.4. FY2007 Kg CO2 emission breakdown 

NREL Environmental Performance Report- 2007 Page 48 
NREL Environmental Performance Report- 2007 Page 49 

Figure 5.5. 

Sustainable 

landscaping outside 

of NREL’s Thermal

Test Facility 

5.9.3.7 Water Conservation 

The FY2007 water use baseline is 13.2M gallons or 28.7 gallons/sq. 

ft. Given this baseline, the FY2015 16% reduction goal of 2.1M 

gallons corresponds to 24.1 gallons/sq. ft. To identify water use 

reduction opportunities, NREL completed a site-wide water audit in 

FY2007. The audit identified reduction opportunities of 1.8 M 

gallons. Measures resulting in 0.9M gallon reductions are being 

implemented in FY2008. Measures resulting in an additional 0.9M 

gallon reduction are planned for implementation in FY2009. The low 

water use intensity design of planned new construction is expected to 

provide the balance of the reductions needed to achieve the FY2015 

goal. 

Water use data for the STM site is obtained from the water supply 

company, Consolidated Mutual Water. All of the facilities that 

require water on the STM site have dedicated water meters. There are 

also water sub-meters on all three cooling towers at the STM site. 

The NWTC site is a remote site that has no wells or water supply. Public Water Supply water, 

primarily from Boulder, is delivered weekly to the NWTC, as described in Section 5.2. 

Currently, water usage at the NWTC is measured by the amount of water delivered to the site. 

5.9.3.8 Sustainable Building Design 

Water Use Reduction Goal 

Executive Order 13423 Goal Beginning in FY2008, NREL will reduce water consumption intensity by 

2% annually through the end of FY2015 or 16% by the end of FY 2015, relative to the baseline water 

consumption in FY2007. 

Progress Based on a FY2007 water audit, NREL plans to implement measures to achieve 45% of the 

overall goal 16% reduction in FY2008. Measures to achieve an additional reduction of 45% of the 

overall goal reduction are planned to be implemented in FY2009. Reductions to achieve the balance 

of the overall goal are expected to be achieved through low-water use intensity features to be 

incorporated in new construction projects.

Sustainable Design and High Performance Buildings Goals 

Executive Order 13423 New construction and major renovations shall comply with the Guiding 

Principles for Federal Leadership in High Performance and Sustainable Buildings. 

Fifteen percent of the existing building inventory as of the end of FY2015 will incorporate the 

sustainable practices in the Guiding Principles. 

DOE TEAM Goal DOE sites will achieve a LEED “Gold” rating on all new buildings. 

Colorado ELP Goal NREL plans to strive for LEED “Gold” for all future building design and construction. 

Progress All lab new construction complies with the Guiding Principles for Federal Leadership in High 

Performance and Sustainable Buildings. As of FY2007, 13% of the NREL existing building inventory 

incorporates the sustainable practices in the Guiding Principles. NREL achieved a LEED platinum 

rating on its most recent new building, the S&TF. 
NREL's goal is that all new construction results in sustainable green buildings meeting or 

exceeding the Gold Level of the LEED standards. 

In April 2007, the S&TF was the first federal building to receive the LEED platinum rating. Only 

28 other buildings in the world achieved the LEED platinum designation by this time. The S&TF 

is a two-story, 71,000 sq. ft. laboratory used for collaborative renewable energy research with 

industry. It houses office and laboratories for 75 people. The building is designed to accelerate 

development and commercialization of promising new alternative energy technologies, such as 

solar hydrogen and energy efficiency technologies. 

Figure 5.6. LEED platinum certified S&TF at STM 

NREL’s S&TF has received numerous awards, including: the 2006 Federal Energy Saver 

Showcase Award as part of the Federal Energy and Water Management Awards ceremony in 

Washington, D.C., the Jefferson County Commissioners’ Award, the White House Closing the 

Circle Pollution Prevention Honorable Mention, and the DOE Pollution Prevention Star Award. 

NREL’s next new major construction effort, the Research Support Facilities (RSF), will be a 

225,000 sq. ft. office building. The RSF will be a design-build project with an aggressive energy 

budget of 25,000 Btu/sq. ft. The RSF is also being designed at the LEED platinum level and as a 

net zero energy building. 

5.9.3.9 Technical Assistance and Outreach 

5.9.3.9.1 Outreach by Leadership 

NREL staff developed a Sustainable Design Guide for Los Alamos National Laboratory. NREL 

Federal Energy Management Program (FEMP) staff has assisted in developing both Energy 

Management and Water Management Plans at NREL. In addition, NREL FEMP staff developed 

the Department of Commerce agency-wide energy plan and is in the process of assisting several 

other agencies in their energy planning processes. NREL researchers work with DOE, EPA, the 

U.S. Green Building Council, and others on a variety of assistance and outreach programs and 

activities related to energy and water use. Examples include standards development, conferences, 

classes and workshops, tours, publications, Web sites, and energy and water analysis software. 

NREL’s activities in this regard can be surveyed through the most recent Institutional Plan or 

Performance Assessments, accessible on NREL’s Web site (www.nrel.gov). 

NREL Environmental Performance Report- 2007 Page 50 
5.9.3.9.2 Outreach by Recognition 

As a component of its outreach efforts to disseminate information regarding sustainability, 

NREL has received a number of awards. Examples of these awards are: CU Wirth Chair Award 

in Environmental and Community Development Policy and the DOE Departmental Energy 

Management Achievement Award: Effective Program Implementation – Sustainable NREL. In 

FY2007, Sustainable NREL and EMS staff supported NREL efforts to receive the following 

awards: 

• S&TF recognized as the first LEED platinum federal building – April 4, 2007 

• Chairman’s Awards for NREL personnel for outstanding contributions as Labs21 team 

members. (Note: Labs21 was awarded a Presidential Awards for Federal Energy 

Management.) 

• Continued recognition as a Colorado Environmental Leadership Program Gold-level 

Leader in Environmental Management (sponsored by CDPHE) 

• Continued recognition as a Climate Leader (sponsored by U.S. EPA). 

5.9.3.9.3 Internal and External Outreach 

NREL has produced a number of publications with the goal of sharing the details of NREL’s 

Sustainability Program with staff and the public. These include the Sustainable Pioneer and 

NREL Now, internal electronic publications; and an NREL sustainability report that is distributed 

both internally to NREL staff and to the public. Also, through NREL’s internal outreach 

program, the laboratory has implemented a Web site with an enhanced suite of sustainability 

tools for employees. For example, some of the tools address alternative commuting, computer 

power management, and CO2 emissions equivalents from employee activities and laboratory 

operations. 

5.10 Vegetation Management 

5.10.1 Program Management 

Management in this area is consistent with NREL’s Weed Management Programs for the STM 

and NWTC (6-2.12 and 6-2.13, respectively) and the Sustainable Landscape Design and 

Management Program (6-2.19). 

NREL’s basic philosophy regarding vegetation is to conserve the ecosystems on the site in their 

natural state as much as possible. There is some landscaping using non-native drought-tolerant 

species adjacent to some of the buildings, and even a few areas of bluegrass at the STM site. 

However, the native vegetation and natural character of the landscape is maintained over the 

majority of the site. Revegetation of areas to be left in their natural state following disturbance 

from construction or other outdoor activities is conducted using a native seed mix of grasses and 

forbs. These mixes are site-specific and are composed predominantly of native species that were 

originally present on the site before disturbance. Seed mix and revegetation procedures are 

outlined in NREL’s Stormwater Pollution Prevention Programs for the STM and NWTC Sites. 

The use of native species is required at both the STM and NWTC whenever possible. When 

feasible, high-water demand species like Kentucky bluegrass are replaced with drought-tolerant 

native species. 

NREL Environmental Performance Report- 2007 Page 51 
The most recent vegetation survey of the STM was conducted between June 2001 and May 2002. 

Five general habitats were described on the STM site, comprising seven plant communities 

(Plantae Consulting Services, 2002). No rare or imperiled plant species 

were found on the site. Areas of mixed foothills shrublands (also called 

tall upland shrubland) were identified on top of the mesa within the 

conservation easement area. This natural community is listed as rare and 

imperiled by the Colorado Natural Heritage Program. No development 

will occur in the conservation easement area. 

Eleven noxious weed species were located on the STM site. Four—

Canada thistle, diffuse knapweed, field bindweed, and musk thistle—

belong to Colorado’s top 10 prioritized-for-control weed species. 

Figure 5.7. Frosted yucca 

 Courtesy Steve Wilcox 

Figure 5.8. Vegetation growth along 

the NWTC north fence 

A three-season vegetation survey of the NWTC site was performed between August 1999 and 

August 2000. The survey defined five general habitats on the NWTC site, comprising nine plant 

communities and 271 vascular plant species (Plantae Consulting Services, 2000). Figure 5.8 

illustrates a portion of the NWTC site and shows 

the diverse vegetation mix present. No rare or 

imperiled plant species were found on the site. 

However, the survey identified a small area of 

xeric tallgrass prairie (defined as mesic mixed 

grassland in this study) located in the southwest 

corner of the NWTC. This natural community is 

listed as rare and imperiled by the Colorado 

Natural Heritage Program. This listing implies no 

legal designation or regulatory enforcement. It is so 

designated primarily for management purposes. 

This area of the NWTC is not impacted by research 

or construction activities on the site. 

The survey identified 11 noxious weed species on the NWTC site. Five of these—Canada thistle, 

diffuse knapweed, field bindweed, musk thistle, and leafy spurge—are recognized as belonging 

to the top 10 prioritized weed species in Colorado. Based on the survey, recommendations were 

made to continue using a comprehensive weed management program, founded on an integrated 

pest management (IPM) philosophy. 

The survey showed the native seed mix used for revegetation at the NWTC to be very successful 

in many areas of the site. NREL is continuing the use of this seed mix for revegetation at the 

NWTC. 

Weed control efforts have been ongoing since 1997 at the NWTC and 1998 at the STM site. 

NREL uses an IPM approach that incorporates various types of weed control methods. Some of 

NREL Environmental Performance Report- 2007 Page 52 
these include mechanical practices (e.g., mowing), cultural (e.g., reclamation of disturbed areas), 

prevention (e.g., limiting or eliminating driving of vehicles off established roadways), and 

herbicide treatment. The effectiveness of control methods is periodically assessed. The use of 

multiple strategies for control has been successful in significantly reducing populations of diffuse 

knapweed and Canada thistle on the sites. The key aspect of the weed control program is to 

maintain flexibility to respond to the changes in weed populations from year to year. 

In 1998, aerial herbicide application of Tordon 22K was conducted using helicopter application 

over about 200 acres of the NWTC to target diffuse knapweed. It was very effective in 

controlling the weed, and healthy stands of native grasses have proliferated with the decrease in 

weed competition. Since that time, infested areas of the NWTC have been treated with groundapplied herbicide. 

Weed infestations at the STM site are much less severe than at the NWTC. Limited ground 

application of herbicides has been conducted at the STM since 1998. 

NREL promotes the sustainable management of its government-owned land by practicing 

environmentally sound, cost-effective landscaping practices. These practices reduce adverse 

impacts to the natural environment while providing essential shade and cooling for indoor and 

outdoor spaces, and a more aesthetically appealing appearance for the sites. This commitment is 

implemented by a sustainable landscape design and management program. 

5.10.2 Permitting 

There is no permitting applicable to vegetation management, although there is a state weed law 

that requires property owners to control certain species of invasive weeds (e.g., diffuse 

knapweed). For application of certain types of herbicides designated as “restricted use” by the 

EPA, a certified applicator must be used. 

5.10.3 2007 Activities 

NREL routinely practices IPM using various weed control methods, as described in the previous 

section. These are implemented during the normal course of site operation. In addition to the 

reclamation, off-road driving restrictions, and other weed control methods, ground applications 

of herbicides occurred at the NWTC in the spring of 2007. Very limited herbicide application 

was conducted on the STM site in the spring of 2007, focusing primarily on areas adjacent to 

roadways and buildings. The spraying was performed using a four-wheel drive vehicle. Primary 

target weeds were diffuse knapweed, leafy spurge, Canada thistle, common teasel, and hoary 

cress at the NWTC. At the STM, target weeds were mainly diffuse knapweed and Canada thistle. 

In 2006, the weed management plans for the NWTC and STM were consolidated into an 

integrated weed management plan. The 2006 plan describes the activities for weed management 

used in 2007. The approach used to integrate weed control activities will be expanded to the 

control of other pests at NREL facilities, ultimately resulting in an integrated pest management 

program. 

A master plant list for NREL was compiled in FY2007. This list is based on information 

gathered during comprehensive vegetation surveys of the STM and NWTC completed in 

NREL Environmental Performance Report- 2007 Page 53 
FY2000-02 by Plantae Consulting Services. No formal field work has been completed since the 

FY2002 survey, but the list is updated as NREL ESH&Q staff become aware of species not on 

the list (see Appendix C). 

5.11 Wildlife 

5.11.1 Program Management 

Wildlife habitat at the STM site is primarily grasslands, shrublands, and wetlands. The STM site 

provides vegetation types for a variety of wildlife species including birds, mammals, reptiles, and 

amphibians. The variety of vegetation types present on site attracts species that may use the site 

as year-round habitat, for breeding only, during migration, or as a winter habitat. 

A wildlife survey was conducted on the STM site in 1987 and 2005, with follow-up verification 

surveys conducted in 1998 and 1999. 

5.11.2 NWTC Site 

Field research into avian use of the NWTC was conducted during 1994 and 1995 in an effort to 

identify potential impacts on birds from wind-turbine research. While several species of raptors, 

including red-tailed hawks, kestrels, and a great-horned owl were noted on the site, they were 

primarily transient in nature. The survey indicated that the NWTC appears to be used primarily 

for resting and hunting, although one pair of kestrels nested in an old concrete pole during the 

spring. Birds of prey of concern, such as eagles, generally fly in excess of 152 meters (500 ft.) 

over the site. No significant impacts to the birds from NREL activities were found during the 

survey. 

A year-long monitoring project for birds and bats was initiated on the NWTC in early 2001. 

Standardized plot surveys were conducted to survey songbirds and raptors on the NWTC and 

adjacent, undeveloped areas. NREL also conducted systematic searches of turbines and 

meteorological towers on the NWTC to document avian mortality. The study was completed in 

July 2002. Salient findings of the study were as follows (Schmidt, E., et al., 2003): 

• Abundances of individual raptor species on the NWTC site were similar to surrounding 

areas. However, the average number of species detected per count at the NWTC was 

nearly double that of surrounding areas in winter, the season when raptors are most 

abundant in the region. This difference is likely attributable to increased availability of 

perches at the site. Raptors flew and perched higher at the NWTC than in adjacent areas, 

again probably related to the wind turbines and other structures at the site. 

• Only 1 of 46 bird species counted on grassland plots during this study differed in 

abundance between the NWTC and adjacent areas—the horned lark, which was about 16 

times more common off site. This difference is attributable to cattle on Boulder Open 

Space, creating low-stature grasslands preferred by this species. 

• Bird abundance and variety on the undeveloped southern portion of the NWTC site were 

generally similar to the developed areas, except for the relative scarcity of raptors on the 

undeveloped site, which probably was due to a lack of perches. 

• The NWTC does not support a large diversity or abundance of bat species (possibly six 

species of bats use the site), but an area on the northwest side of the site, with trees close 

to a rocky outcrop, provides foraging and perhaps a roosting habitat. 

NREL Environmental Performance Report- 2007 Page 54 
No raptor carcasses were found during the 12-month survey of the NWTC except one American 

kestrel that had died before the study started. Bird mortality associated with the site appears to be 

minor. Extrapolating from four passerine (songbird) carcasses found during the searches, 

estimated annual bird mortality attributable to the NWTC was 24 individuals, all songbirds 

(Passeriformes). Most of these deaths were probably the result of collisions with support wires 

for the meteorological towers rather than the turbines themselves. No evidence was found of bat 

fatalities at the site. 

5.11.3 STM Site 

The most recent site-wide wildlife survey of the STM site began in April 2004 and was 

completed in June 2005. The objectives of the survey were to update existing data in light of 

expanded development of both the site and the surrounding area, and to develop best 

management practices for future construction projects to maximize protection for site wildlife. 

The survey included large and small mammals, predators, migratory birds and raptors, upland 

game birds, and invertebrates identified on an opportunistic basis (i.e., only as they are found 

during other surveys). A listing of species observed during the year-long STM wildlife survey is 

attached as Appendix B. A summary of the survey results follows. 

5.11.4 Permitting 

Scientific collection licenses must be obtained from the Colorado Division of Wildlife for the 

small mammal trapping portion of the wildlife surveys. NREL has no other permitting 

requirements for this area of environmental management. 

5.11.5 2007 Activities 

In compliance with the Migratory Bird Treaty Act, surveys for ground-nesting birds were 

completed prior to activities that could adversely affect these species. Surveys were conducted 

during the nesting season, from mid-April through mid-September. If an active nest was found, a 

buffer zone was set up around the nest to avoid impacts to nests during site activities. 

5.11.5.1 Migratory Birds and Raptors 

Many species of migratory birds were observed on the STM site, with many of these species 

potentially nesting on site. Additionally, the STM site may provide important migration and 

winter habitat for migratory birds. For example, the American tree sparrow was only observed on 

site during winter surveys and the northern harrier was observed hunting on site only in the fall 

and winter. Several species were only observed during the fall, including blue jay, downy 

woodpecker, red-breasted nuthatch, loggerhead shrike, and rock wren, suggesting that these 

species may use the STM site as a stopover during migration. Habitat for migrating birds is 

important, as some of these species may migrate as far south as Central and South America. 

Several species of raptors were observed at the STM site and, two species were observed by both 

studies (1987 and 2004-2005) nesting on site; the red-tailed hawk and the American kestrel. Both 

of these species were observed hunting on-site during the 2004-2005 surveys, in addition to the 

Cooper’s hawk. The NREL STM site provides habitat and a prey base of small birds and small 

mammals for these raptor species. Species such as the Swainson’s hawk migrate thousands of 

miles each year, wintering as far south as Argentina, and returning to the western United States 

NREL Environmental Performance Report- 2007 Page 55 
and Canada to breed. Areas such as the STM site may provide a prey source for the Swainson’s 

hawk and other species during migration. 

5.11.5.2 Large Mammals 

Mule deer at the STM site have been observed in all 

habitat types. Mule deer were often observed in the 

amphitheater drainage or in the tall shrubland on the 

slope. When approached on the mesa top, the mule deer 

tended to move away from the disturbance and into the 

amphitheater drainage. 

 Figure 5.9. Mule deer bucks 

Courtesy Steve Wilcox

The tall shrubland vegetation type may provide important 

hiding cover for this species. Spring pellet group surveys 

resulted in nearly double the amount of pellet groups and 

plots of the pellet groups were observed in than fall 

surveys. This may suggest that winter use of the STM site 

by deer may be higher than summer use or that deer utilize different habitats on site for these 

periods as affected by the availability of habitats and the location of survey plots, although the 

single year of data is not sufficient to draw conclusions regarding seasonal variation.

5.11.5.3 Predators 

Coyotes are one of the most widespread and adaptable carnivores in North America and occur at 

all elevation levels and in all ecosystems in Colorado (Fitzgerald, et al. 1994). Lagomorphs 

(rabbits) and rodents are an important part of the coyote’s diet, both of which are abundant on the 

STM site. Evidence of predation on cottontail rabbits (i.e., entrails and fur) was observed during 

site visits. Coyotes may breed on the STM site as two potential dens were observed in two of the 

site drainages. 

5.11.5.4 Small Mammals 

The deer mouse is the widest ranging and most common small 

mammal in North America (Fitzgerald, et al. 1994), and based on 

the 1987 and 2004-2005 survey data, it is also the most common 

small mammal on the NREL STM site. Deer mice can occur 

anyplace where cover occurs (Fitzgerald et al. 1994) and were 

observed in the four vegetation types sampled on the STM site. 

This species is a generalist and is known to exploit disturbed 

habitats. Mexican woodrats and prairie voles were more restricted 

than the deer mouse in the habitats they occupied on the STM site. 

Mexican woodrats are associated with rocky slopes and do not 

build dens away from rocky areas (Fitzgerald et al. 1994). This 

species is therefore limited as to where it can occur on the STM 

Figure 5.10. Prairie dog site. 

(Cynomys ludovicianus) 

on the NWTC site Prairie voles are adapted to the grasslands, constructing burrows 

and runway systems throughout the grassland, essentially limiting 

this species to the short grass and mixed grass vegetation types on the STM site. All of these 

NREL Environmental Performance Report- 2007 Page 56 
species are active throughout the year. Winter surveys (2004-2005) were conducted during a 

warm weather trend, which may have contributed to the highest number of small mammals 

caught compared to the three other surveys. 

At least one species, the black-tailed prairie dog, that was not present at the NWTC during the 

last survey made its appearance at the site in the 2006-2007 timeframe (See Figure 5.10). 

5.11.5.5 Reptiles/Amphibians 

Several rattlesnakes were observed on the STM site, more often in rocky areas, but also in the 

grassland. A rattlesnake den may be present in the rocks near the top of the mesa slope north of 

the Visitor’s Center (near E-2-3) as four rattlesnakes were observed within a few feet of each 

other, one in the open and three in 

a rock crevice. Hibernation 

generally occurs in rock outcrops, 

with this species usually active 

from mid-April through lateSeptember (Hammerson 1999). 

Although only three species of 

reptiles and one species of 

amphibian were observed on the 

STM site, no specific survey 

methods were employed to 

identify or count these groups of 

wildlife. Figure 5.11. Rare spotting of an Eastern Fence 

Lizard(Sceloporus undulatus) at the SRRL 

Courtesy Steve Wilcox 

To avoid or minimize disturbance to 

wildlife species on site, site-wide BMPs were developed as a result of this survey for 

consideration during ongoing normal site operations and future construction projects. The BMPs 

address migratory birds and raptors, mammals, all wildlife, and general site operations. They will 

be applied as appropriate to site activities and future site development. 

5.12 Endangered Species/Species of Concern 

5.12.1 Program Management 

The Endangered Species Act provides for the designation and protection of wildlife, fish, and 

plant species that are in danger of extinction and preserves the ecosystems on which these 

species depend. For the purposes of site wildlife surveys, a species of concern is defined as those 

species protected under federal statutes, including the Endangered Species Act of 1973, as 

amended, the Bald Eagle Protection Act of 1940, as amended, and the Colorado Division of 

Wildlife list of endangered, threatened, and wildlife species of concern. Federal agencies are also 

required to abide by the Migratory Bird Treaty Act of 1918, as amended, but for this report, these 

species are not included as species of concern. For plant surveys, the Colorado Natural Heritage 

Program designation is also considered. Although this listing of rare species is not regulatory in 

nature, NREL uses it for management purposes. 

NREL Environmental Performance Report- 2007 Page 57 
NREL Environmental Performance Report- 2007 Page 58 

Figure 5.12. Eurasian 

collared dove at the STM 

No threatened or endangered species or candidate wildlife species for endangered designation or 

other sensitive species have been found on either the STM or NWTC sites during any site 

wildlife surveys. Likewise, no threatened, endangered candidate or other sensitive plant species 

were identified in any survey of the STM or NWTC sites, as there was no suitable habitat present 

for any of the sensitive species. 

The vegetation survey at NWTC, conducted between August 1999 and August 2000, identified a 

small area of xeric tallgrass (defined in the survey as mesic mixed grassland) prairie located in 

the southwest corner of the NWTC site. This natural community is listed as rare and imperiled 

by the Colorado Natural Heritage Program. This listing implies no legal designation, but is made 

primarily for management planning purposes. This xeric tallgrass prairie area has been 

designated by NREL as a conservation management area. Most of the conservation management 

areas on the NWTC are formally designated as areas on which building will not occur. However, 

as the xeric tallgrass prairie is in the active turbine testing area, it is not reasonable to preclude all 

development on portions of the site inhabited by this plant community. Disturbance will be 

minimized on the area. 

The STM site vegetation survey completed in May 2002 found no rare or imperiled plant species 

on the site, but areas of mixed foothills shrublands (also called tall upland shrubland) were 

identified along the top of the mesa within the conservation easement area. That natural 

community is listed as rare and imperiled by the Colorado Natural Heritage program. It is within 

a designated conservation easement area where no development will occur except trails being 

established by Jefferson County Open Space (see Section 6.0 for a trails discussion). 

As reported in Section 5.11.3, a site-wide wildlife survey of the STM site has recently been 

completed. No species observed on the STM site during the 1987 or the 2004-2005 wildlife 

surveys were present on either agency’s list. However, golden eagles were incidentally observed 

on the STM site (outside of raptor surveys) and are protected under the Bald Eagle Protection 

Act. Golden eagles were observed flying over the site and may use the site for hunting. No 

golden eagle nests or nesting activities were observed on the STM site. 

5.12.2 Permitting 

NREL has no permitting requirements for this area of environmental management. 

5.12.3 2007 Activities 

In 2007, the presence of the Eurasian Collared Dove 

(streptopelia decaocto) continued at NREL’s STM. This 

invasive species, first spotted at STM in 2006 as a new avian 

species, had just begun to inhabit the Denver area at that time. 

The Colorado Division of Wildlife considers this species to be 

a threat to native avian species. 
5.13 Wetlands/Floodplains 

Limited wetland areas totaling less than 0.3 ha (0.75 ac) occur on the STM site in the drainage 

bottom located north of the Visitor’s Center. These are narrow, linear wetlands supporting 

spikerush, baltic rush, sedges, bluegrass, hemlock, and field mint. 

Wetland areas at the NWTC are extremely limited in extent as well. These areas, along the site’s 

eastern boundary, total less than 0.4 ha (1 ac). 

According to floodplain maps generated by the Urban Drainage and Flood Control District and 

adopted by the Jefferson County Department of Highways and Transportation, NREL's STM site 

does not contain any floodplains and no floodplains have been identified at the NWTC. As a 

best-management practice, however, all construction activities that may cross a drainage channel 

are designed to meet the 100-year flood control standards (designed to withstand the equivalent 

of a 100-year flood). 

5.14 Cultural Resources 

5.14.1 Program Management 

Cultural resources are protected under Section 106 of the National Historic Preservation Act 

(NHPA) of 1966, as amended. Significant cultural resources are either eligible for, or listed in, 

the National Register. 

Cultural resources are defined as any prehistoric or historic district, site, building, structure, or 

object considered important to a culture, subculture, or community for scientific, traditional, 

religious, or any other reason. Cultural resources can be divided into three major categories: 

• Prehistoric and historic archaeological resources 

• Architectural resources 

• Traditional cultural resources. 

Prehistoric and historic archaeological resources are locations where human activity measurably 

altered the earth or left deposits of physical remains (e.g., arrowheads, bottles). Prehistoric 

resources that predate the advent of written records in a region range from a scatter composed of 

a few artifacts to village sites and rock art. Historic resources may include campsites, roads, 

fences, trails, dumps, battlegrounds, mines, and a variety of other features. 

Architectural resources include standing buildings, dams, canals, bridges, and other structures of 

historic or aesthetic significance. Architectural resources generally must be more than 50 years 

old to be considered for protection under existing cultural resource laws. However, more recent 

structures, such as Cold War facilities, may warrant protection if they manifest the potential to 

gain significance in the future. 

A traditional cultural resource can be defined as a property that is eligible for inclusion in the 

National Register because of its association with cultural practices or beliefs of a living 

community that are rooted in the community’s history, and are important in maintaining the 

continuing cultural identify of the community. Traditional resources may include archaeological 

resources, buildings, neighborhoods, prominent topographic features, habitats, plants, animals, 

NREL Environmental Performance Report- 2007 Page 59 
and minerals that Native Americans or other groups consider essential for the persistence of their 

traditional culture. 

5.14.1.1 Site Surveys 

Three formal surveys of historic and cultural resources have been performed on the STM site. 

These surveys were completed in 1980, 1987, and 2003. Two additional surveys of the Camp 

George West district involving the STM site have also been conducted. 

Figure 5.13. STM site cultural 

resource: amphitheater at the STM 

Courtesy Steve Wilcox 

As a result of these STM surveys, three historical 

sites were recognized as significant cultural resources 

that should be preserved. These sites include an openair amphitheater (Figure 5.13), a stone bridge 

spanning a natural drainage channel adjacent to the 

amphitheater, and a stone and concrete ammunition 

bunker below the amphitheater site (Figure 5.14). The 

three structures were constructed during the Works 

Progress Administration era in the 1930s. Through 

NREL's efforts, these sites have been added to the 

National Register, with the amphitheater and stone 

footbridge listed together as a single site. NREL also 

participated in an interagency survey of STM and 

Camp George West to identify historic structures and 

sites eligible for nomination to the National Register. Figure 1.7 provides an aerial view of the 

amphitheater. 

The Camp George West Historic District, also listed on the National Register, includes the 25-

acre parcel of NREL’s site, south of the DWOP. Two types of historic archaeological resources 

(firing range lines and a low rock wall) have been identified on this parcel. These resources have 

been determined to contribute to the National Register eligibility of the Camp George West 

Historic District. 

The Camp George West Historic District 

overlaps the NREL STM property by 25 acres. 

Two contributing resources occur within those 

25 acres. Contributing resources are those 

features within a historic district that 

contribute to the district’s overall eligibility 

for the National Register. 

A 2003 cultural resource survey was 

conducted of the 25-acre parcel south of 

Denver West Parkway on the STM site. The 

survey confirmed the existence of the 

contributing features to the Camp George West 

Historic District occurring within the 25-acre 

parcel. The contributing resources are: 

Figure 5.14. STM cultural resource: stone 

and concrete ammunition bunker at the STM 

Courtesy Steve Wilcox 

NREL Environmental Performance Report- 2007 Page 60 
• Two firing lines located on the 25 acres. There are also firing lines located south of the 

NREL property on land owned by Jefferson County Open Space and proposed for 

development as the Camp George West Park. 

• Portions of a low rock wall are also present on the 25 acres. There is also a rock wall 

located south of the NREL property. 

DOE consulted with the State Historic Preservation Office (SHPO) regarding the significant 

resources located on the 25 acres. DOE and the SHPO subsequently entered into a Memorandum 

of Agreement where DOE agreed to perform further surveys to fully document the resources on 

the 25 acres prior to any development of the parcel. 

In 2005, DOE-GO and NREL conducted documentation of the Camp George West firing range 

lines and low rock walls, which contribute to the Camp George West Historic District’s 

eligibility to the National Register. The documentation resulted in Level II documentation from 

the Historic American Buildings Survey (HABS) and the Historic American Engineering Record 

(HAER) that consisted of mapping, photographs, and detailed description of the resources. The 

documentation was submitted using archival quality materials to the SHPO in late 2005. 

In January 2006, the Camp George West Level II HABS/HAER documentation (originally dated 

August 2005) was revised to include field drawings of the “low rock wall” as requested by the 

Colorado SHPO. This was the final report submitted to the SHPO. It is on file with the Colorado 

SHPO and also at the DOE-GO and NREL offices. 

Also in CY2006, a site survey for cultural resources was conducted in support of NREL/DOE 

EAs for the first of three site development projects (RFHP, and two potential solar field sites). 

The RFHP EA was completed in early summer 2007. 

An archaeological survey of the NWTC site was conducted in support of the 1996 environmental 

assessment to supplement previous surveys so there were no gaps in cultural surveys on the site. 

No significant historical or archaeological resources were identified. However, the wooded ridge 

area on the west portion of the site was identified as a location with potential for cultural 

resources, so further testing or observation during excavation would be done should there be any 

future need for work in the utility corridor in the vicinity of the ridge. 

5.14.2 Permitting and Requirements 

NREL has no permitting requirements for this area of environmental management. In order to 

comply with cultural resource protection requirements, NREL instructs construction contractors 

at their site orientation that in the event they discover any evidence of cultural resources during 

ground disturbing activities at the STM or NWTC sites, they are to stop all work in the vicinity 

until a qualified archaeologist evaluates the significance of the find. 

5.14.3 2007 Activities 

There were no activities related to cultural resources in 2007. 

NREL Environmental Performance Report- 2007 Page 61 
5.15 National Environmental Policy Act (NEPA) 

5.15.1 Program Management 

Management in this area is consistent with NREL’s NEPA Implementation Program (6-2.2). 

As a federal agency, DOE is obligated to comply with NEPA by evaluating the potential for 

environmental impacts prior to conducting its activities. The Council of Environmental Quality 

(CEQ) issues regulations for compliance with the Act. DOE has also issued implementing 

regulations at 10 CFR that complement the CEQ requirements. DOE has written a site-wide EA 

for its activity at the STM Site and DWOP, and separate EAs for the NWTC and JSF activities. 

NREL has established procedures, with the approval of the DOE-GO, to assist DOE in meeting 

their NEPA obligation. Proposed activities that will be conducted at NREL’s five sites are 

evaluated for their potential environmental effects using the appropriate level of NEPA review, 

in conjunction with DOE-GO. 

The NREL NEPA Handbook has been prepared to provide NREL project managers and 

procurement specialists with guidance on implementing the NEPA procedures, and training is 

provided to staff, as appropriate. 

5.15.2 Permitting 

NREL has no permitting requirements under NEPA. 

5.15.3 2007 Activities 

During 2007, numerous NEPA reviews of both onsite and offsite activities occurred through 

completion of NREL environmental checklists. As outlined in NREL’s NEPA implementation 

procedures, these reviews were coordinated with NREL project managers, subcontracting staff, 

the NREL NEPA coordinator, and the DOE-GO NEPA Compliance Officer. NEPA requirements 

were also coordinated with future program planning (e.g., development of NREL’s 2007 Grand 

Buildout Infrastructure Design) through interaction between NREL’s ESH&Q Office director 

and NREL’s technology program and project managers. Requirements were also coordinated 

through participation in the NREL management annual planning process and other reviews of 

proposed projects for the upcoming FY2008. 

In CY2006, NREL began the EA process for three STM site development projects (RFHP, and 

two potential solar field sites). The EA was completed in early summer 2007, and a finding of no 

significant impact was issued. 

In late 2007, NREL started the EA process for an STM site-wide EA supplement to address 

proposed construction and operation of the following: the RSF, infrastructure improvements, and 

upgrades to the Thermochemical User Facility and addition of a Thermochemical Biorefinery 

Pilot Plant. This EA supplement was completed in May 2008, with DOE issuing a finding of no 

significant impact. 

NREL Environmental Performance Report- 2007 Page 62 
5.16 Radiological Program 

5.16.1 Program Management 

Management in this area is consistent with the following NREL programs: Air Quality 

Protection (6-2.5), and Radiological Control (6-4.5). 

All radioactive material at NREL facilities is handled according to NREL’s Radiological Control 

Program. Elements of the program include a radiological control organization, a radiation safety 

policy and control manual, safe operating procedures, safe work permits, radiological control 

areas and postings, monitoring, training, and purchasing controls for radioactive materials. 

There are no nuclear operations at NREL sites. All of NREL’s radiation sources are used/stored 

in facilities located on the STM site. These include four x-ray diffraction machines at the SERF 

on the STM site. In addition, one laboratory at the FTLB, on the STM site, occasionally uses 

small quantities of radioisotopes for biological or chemical labeling. 

The four x-ray diffraction machines located at the SERF are registered with the state of Colorado 

and are inspected every 2 years by a state-licensed surveyor. The surveyor inspects and certifies 

the x-ray machines and audits NREL's program for radiation safety in connection with operating 

the machines. 

Monitoring of equipment and facilities for removable contamination is performed in the 

laboratories where radioisotopes are used. Wipe tests are performed on any laboratory surfaces 

that could have become contaminated by the radioisotope work at least monthly and more 

frequently if needed. These wipes are analyzed using a scintillation counter. 

DOE Order 5400.5, “Radiation Protection of the Public and the Environment,” established 

radiation emission limits for DOE facilities. Such emissions are also regulated by Section 112 of 

the Clean Air Act as implemented by 40 CFR 61, Subpart H, established by the EPA. According 

to 40 CFR 61, Subpart H, all DOE facilities, including NREL, must annually demonstrate 

compliance with the radionuclide emission limit to the ambient air not exceeding an amount that 

would result in any member of the public receiving an effective dose of 10 millirem per year or 

greater. No radioactive air-emission monitoring is conducted at NREL because of the extremely 

low usage of radioactive material. Therefore, NREL demonstrates compliance with the 

NESHAPs in 40 CFR 61, Subpart H, by utilizing the EPA’s COMPLY computer model to 

determine the effective dose equivalent to the public. 

All radioactive waste generated during NREL activities is classified as low-level waste. Waste 

from the STM site is temporarily stored at the Waste Handling Facility (WHF) until disposal is 

arranged at an offsite facility permitted to accept low-level radioactive waste. 

5.16.2 Permitting 

NREL does not have a radioactive materials license from the state of Colorado, as the laboratory 

is currently under DOE jurisdiction for radioactive materials handling. 

NREL Environmental Performance Report- 2007 Page 63 
5.16.3 2007 Activities 

During 2007, no work involving the use of radioisotopes occurred. NREL maintains a small 

inventory of radioisotopes in the event these may be needed for various research activities. In 

2007, the potential dose to the public was calculated as though the contents of all unsealed 

containers of stored radioisotopes were exhausted to the atmosphere. P-32 and S-35 waste that is 

stored in the WHF and has decayed past ten half-lives was not included in this calculation. 

The distance from the source in the FTLB to the nearest potential receptor is 119 meters (fence 

line of nearest resident). For the WHF, the distance from the source to the nearest potential 

receptor is 311 meters. 

According to the COMPLY computer model, the potential dose to the nearest member of the 

public was 0.011 millirem per year, well below the emission limit of 10 millirem per year, and 

NREL is in compliance with the NESHAP for radionuclides. Because the dose is calculated 

rather than measured, it represents a potential or estimated rather than an actual dose. 

The resulting calculated off-site whole body doses are small, but are still likely overestimates of 

potential radionuclide doses. The COMPLY formula assumes that the entire quantity of the 

radionuclide in all open containers was released, and that the receptor raises and consumes all 

his/her own milk, meat, and vegetables at home. These assumptions are extremely conservative. 

In 2007, there were no unplanned releases of radioisotopes. 

NREL Environmental Performance Report- 2007 Page 64 
6. Conservation Easement Lands 

During 1999, DOE placed 177 acres of the STM site in a conservation easement. The purpose of 

the conservation easement is to preserve the natural character of the property, including its 

visual, biological, and recreational resources, especially in relation to the changing land uses 

adjacent to the NREL site and within the region. 

Figure 6.1. Conservation easement 

Courtesy Stephen Wilcox 

The goals of the easement are to: 

• Retain, preserve, and protect natural, scenic, ecological, and historical aspects of the 

conservation easement property; 

• Protect the ecosystem of the STM area and the sustainable habitat for diverse vegetation, 

birds, and terrestrial animals; 

• Ensure the scenic and biological integration with adjoining open-space land; 

• Prevent further industrial, commercial, or residential development of the conservation 

easement property; and 

• Preserve the conservation easement property as natural open space. 

A baseline inventory of the property was prepared in June 1999 to document the current 

condition of the easement property and to assess the conservation value of the property 

(Department of Energy, Golden Field Office, 1999). The baseline inventory includes a 

description of the geographical setting and adjacent property owners, access and use of the 

property by the public, and a description of the existing environmental conditions of the property 

(geology, hydrology, vegetation, wildlife, cultural resources). There are also photos incorporated 

into the report that document the condition of the property. 

6.1 2007 Property Assessment 

During 2007, there was no NREL activity on the conservation easement property having the 

potential to degrade the environmental condition of the property. Jefferson County Open Space 

conducted a site inspection during the summer of 2004; no degraded conditions or other 

environmental issues were found. Representative areas of the easement lands are shown in 

Figure 6.2, taken in 2006. 

NREL Environmental Performance Report- 2007 Page 65 
Jefferson County Open Space has the responsibility to establish and maintain formal trails on the 

conservation easement property. The trail plan calls for establishing trails in phases. The first 

phase began in 2004, with Jefferson County Open Space installing two trails from Denver West 

Parkway (near the NREL Site Entrance) to the mesa top. Routine trail maintenance occurred in 

CY2007. No additional trails were constructed in 2007. 

Figure 6.2. STM mesa top facilities and surrounding conservation easement lands 

NREL Environmental Performance Report- 2007 Page 66 
Contacts for Feedback or More Information 

We welcome your feedback and suggestions on this report and on NREL’s efforts at 

sustainability and environmental stewardship. To provide comments or to obtain additional 

information about NREL’s environmental and sustainability programs, please contact: 

Maureen Jordan Frank Rukavina 

Senior Environmental Scientist Director, ESH&Q 

maureen_jordan@nrel.gov frank_rukavina@nrel.gov 

303-275-3248 303-275-3220 

Figure 6.3. Sunset over the Solar Energy Research Facility 

Courtesy Jeff Carapella 

National Renewable Energy Laboratory 

1617 Cole Boulevard, Golden, Colorado 80401-3393 

303-275-3000 – www.nrel.gov

Operated for the U.S. Department of Energy 

Office of Energy Efficiency and Renewable Energy 

by Midwest Research Institute – Battelle 

NREL-November 2008 

NREL Environmental Performance Report- 2007 Page 67 
7. References 

Armstrong, D.; Bock, C.; Piaggio, T.; Schmidt, E. (2001). NWTC Site wide Bat and Avian 

Impact Study Plan. May 1, 2001-July 31, 2002.

EG&G Rocky Flats, Inc. (1992). Rocky Flats Plant Site Environmental Report, January Through 

December 1992. Golden, CO. 

Felsburg Holt and Ullevig (2007). National Renewable Energy Laboratory South Table 

Mountain Facility Traffic Impact Study Update. Centennial, CO. 

Handex of Colorado, Inc. (1997). Groundwater Monitoring Report, South Table Mountain Site.

Golden, CO. 

National Renewable Energy Laboratory (Draft). ES&H Program Number 6-2.12, 

Weed Management Program, STM Site. Golden, CO. 

National Renewable Energy Laboratory (1997). National Renewable Energy Laboratory 

Environmental Report for 1995 and 1996. Golden, CO. 

National Renewable Energy Laboratory (1999a). National Renewable Energy 

Laboratory Five-Year Plan, 2000-2004. Golden, CO. 

National Renewable Energy Laboratory (1999b). NREL Policy Number 6-2, Environmental 

Management. Golden, CO. 

National Renewable Energy Laboratory (1999c). NREL Policy Number 6-6, Risk Assessment.

Golden, CO. 

Piaggio, T. (July 18, 2001).Telephone communication. Environmental, Population, and 

Organismic Biology. University of Colorado: Boulder, CO. 

Plantae Consulting Services (2000). Vegetation Survey, NREL National Wind Technology 

Center. Boulder, CO. 

Plantae Consulting Services (2002). Vegetation Survey, NREL South Table Mountain Site. 

Boulder, CO. 

Rust Environment and Infrastructure, Inc. (1993). Water Quality Monitoring, National Wind 

Technology Center. Englewood, CO. 

Rust Environment and Infrastructure, Inc. (1994a). Final Report, Baseline Surface Water 

Monitoring Program: 1993. Englewood, CO. 

NREL Environmental Performance Report- 2007 Page 68 
Rust Environment and Infrastructure, Inc. (1995a). Report, Wastewater Monitoring Program, 

Fourth Quarter, 1994 and Annual Report. Englewood, CO. 

Rust Environment and Infrastructure, Inc. (1995b). Final Report, Ground Water Monitoring, 

Third Quarter, 1994 and Fourth Annual Report, South Table Mountain Site. Englewood, CO. 

Schmidt, E.; Piaggio, A.J.; Bock, C.E.; Armstrong, D.M. (January 2003). National Wind 

Technology Center Site Environmental Assessment: Bird and Bat Use and Fatalities – Final 

Report. University of Colorado: Boulder, CO. 

Science Applications International Corporation (2005). Wildlife Survey (Including Migratory 

Birds and Raptors) at the National Renewable Energy Laboratory South Table Mountain Site, 

Golden, Colorado. Lakewood, CO. 

U.S. Department of Energy (1993). Site wide Environmental Assessment for the National 

Renewable Energy Laboratory, Golden, Colorado. DOE/EA-0850. 

U.S. Department of Energy (1998). Environmental Assessment, Right-of-Way Easement for 

Public Service Company of Colorado at the South Table Mountain Site, Golden, Colorado.

DOE/EA-1254. 

U.S. Department of Energy, Golden Field Office (1999). National Renewable Energy 

Laboratory (NREL) Site Conservation Easement Baseline Inventory. Golden, CO. 

U.S. Department of Energy (2002). Site-Wide Environmental Assessment of National Renewable 

Energy Laboratory’s National Wind Technology Center. DOE/EA 1378. 

U.S. Department of Energy (2003). Site-Wide Environmental Assessment of the National 

Renewable Energy Laboratory’s South Table Mountain Complex. DOE/EA 1440. 

U.S. Department of Energy (2007). Final Environmental Assessment of Three Site Development 

Projects at the National Renewable Energy Laboratory South Table Mountain Site. DOE/EA 

1573. 

U.S. Department of Energy (2008). Final Supplement to Final Site-Wide Environmental 

Assessment of the National Renewable Energy Laboratory’s South Table Mountain Complex.

DOE/EA 1440-S-1. 

NREL Environmental Performance Report- 2007 Page 69 
NREL Environmental Performance Report- 2007 Page 70 

8. Appendices 

Appendix A – Summary of NREL Environmental Permits, Registrations, Notifications delete the 

table and append the excel permit table. 

Appendix B – Wildlife Species Observed on the South Table Mountain Site. 

Appendix C – National Renewable Energy Laboratory Master Plant List – 2007 

(referenced in section 10).
Appendix A 

2007 Summary of NREL environmental permits, registrations, and notifications. 

Table A.1. 2007 Summary of NREL Environmental Permits, Registrations, and Notifications 

Type Number 

Permit or 

Reg 

Holder 

Permit Type Permit Description Issuing Agency Name Location Description 

Permit 04JE1442L DOE Air Air Emission 

Permit for Land 

Development 

(fugitive dust 

from construction 

activities) 

Colorado 

Dept. of 

Public Health 

and 

Environment 

(CDPHE) 

NWTC site 

Permit 07JE0277 DOE Air Stationary 

Source 

Construction 

(RFHP) 

CDPHE STM 

Permit 08JE0889L DOE Air Air Emission 

Permit for Land 

Development 

(fugitive dust 

from construction 

activities) 

CDPHE STM site 

Permit 37232 SERI Groundwater 

Monitoring Well 

Permit to 

Construct a Well 

(MW-1) 

Colo. Div. of 

Water 

Resources 

STM 

Permit 37229 SERI Groundwater 

Monitoring Well 

Permit to 

Construct a Well 

(MW-2) 

Colo. Div. of 

Water 

Resources 

STM 

Permit 37228 SERI Groundwater 

Monitoring Well 

Permit to 

Construct a Well 

(MW-3) 

Colo. Div. of 

Water 

Resources 

STM 

NREL Environmental Performance Report- 2007 Page 71 
Type Number 

Permit or 

Reg 

Holder 

Permit Type Permit Description Issuing Agency Name Location Description 

Permit 37231 SERI Groundwater 

Monitoring Well 

Permit to 

Construct a Well 

(MW-4) 

Colo. Div. of 

Water 

Resources 

STM 

Permit 37230 SERI Groundwater 

Monitoring Well 

Permit to 

Construct a Well 

(MW-5) 

Colo. Div. of 

Water 

Resources 

STM 

Permit 99JE0400 NREL/DO

E 

Air TCPDU air 

emissions 

CDPHE STM 

Permit 817 NREL Permit Hazardous 

material storage 

and use permit 

West Metro 

Fire 

Protection 

District 

STF 

Permit 818 NREL Permit Hazardous 

material storage 

and use permit 

West Metro 

Fire 

Protection 

District 

SERF 

Permit 819 NREL Permit Hazardous 

material storage 

and use permit 

West Metro 

Fire 

Protection 

District 

WHF 

Permit 820 NREL Permit Hazardous 

material storage 

and use permit 

West Metro 

Fire 

Protection 

District 

FTLB 

Permit 821 NREL Permit Hazardous 

material storage 

and use permit 

West Metro 

Fire 

Protection 

District 

AFUF/PDU 

NREL Environmental Performance Report- 2007 Page 72 
Type Number 

Permit or 

Reg 

Holder 

Permit Type Permit Description Issuing Agency Name Location Description 

Permit 822 NREL Permit Hazardous 

material storage 

and use permit 

West Metro 

Fire Protection 

District 

S/R 

823 NREL Permit Hazardous 

material storage 

and use permit 

West Metro 

Fire Protection 

District 

DWOP Bldg 16 

Notification 

and 

Registrations 

PWSID Number 

CO0230860 

DOE Drinking Water Non-community 

supply of 

hauled water 

from a surface 

water source 

CDPHE NWTC site 

Notification 

and 

Registrations 

CO4890000017 DOE Hazardous 

Waste 

Notification of 

Regulated 

Waste Activity 

CDPHE DWOP 

Notification 

and 

Registrations 

CO3890090076 DOE Hazardous 

Waste 

Notification of 

Regulated 

Waste Activity 

CDPHE STM 

Notification 

and 

Registrations 

COD980805162 DOE Hazardous 

Waste 

Notification of 

Regulated 

Waste Activity 

CDPHE JSF 

Notification 

and 

Registrations 

COD983802448 DOE Hazardous 

Waste 

Notification of 

Regulated 

Waste Activity 

CDPHE NWTC 

Notification 

and 

Registrations 

COR000207563 DOE Hazardous 

Waste 

Notification of 

Regulated 

Waste Activity 

CDPHE ReFUEL 

Notification 

and 

Registrations 

001 DOE Air: Ozone 

Depleting 

Substances 

Registration of 

stationary 

appliances (1 

SERF chiller) 

CDPHE SERF 

NREL Environmental Performance Report- 2007 Page 73 
Type Number 

Permit or 

Reg 

Holder 

Permit Type Permit Description Issuing Agency Name Location Description 

Notification 

and 

Registrations 

002 DOE Air: Ozone 

Depleting 

Substances 

Registration of 

stationary 

appliances (1 

SERF chiller) 

CDPHE SERF 

Notification 

and 

Registrations 

N/A DOE Air: Ozone 

Depleting 

Substances 

Facility 

Notification 

CDPHE STM, NWTC 

Notification 

and 

Registrations 

1 DOE Air: Ozone 

Depleting 

Substances 

Registration of 

stationary 

appliance 

(chiller in 

DWOP) 

CDPHE DWOP 

Notification 

and 

Registrations 

2873-001* DOE Above Ground 

Storage Tank 

Registration of 

aboveground 

storage tanks 

Colorado 

Dept. of Labor 

STM--PDU 

Ethanol 

Storage Tank, 

SERF 

Emergency 

Generator 

Tank 

Notification 

and 

Registrations 

2873-002* DOE Above Ground 

Storage Tank 

Registration of 

aboveground 

storage tanks 

Colorado 

Dept. of Labor 

STM--PDU 

Ethanol 

Storage Tank, 

SERF 

Emergency 

Generator 

Tank 

Notification 

and 

Registrations 

93000378 DOE Historic 

Registration 

National 

Register of 

Historic Places 

National Park 

Service 

Colorado 

Amphitheater 

Notification 

and 

Registrations 

93000379 DOE Historic 

Registration 

National 

Register of 

Historic Places 

National Park 

Service 

Ammunition 

Igloo 

NREL Environmental Performance Report- 2007 Page 74 
NREL Environmental Performance Report- 2007 Page 75 

Type Number 

Permit or 

Reg 

Holder 

Permit Type Permit Description Issuing Agency Name Location Description 

Notification 

and 

Registrations 

AFP-CO-00255 DOE Alcohol (not an 

environmental 

permit) 

Alcohol 

Producer's 

Permit 

Bureau of 

Alcohol, 

Tobacco, and 

Firearms 

AFUF (PDU) 

Notification 

and 

Registrations 

TF-CO-0331 DOE Alcohol (not an 

environmental 

permit) 

Industrial 

Alcohol User 

Permit 

Bureau of 

Alcohol, 

Tobacco, and 

Firearms 

NREL-wide 

Notification 

and 

Registrations 

062008550086Q

S 

MRI Transportation Hazardous 

Material 

Transportation 

U.S. 

Department of 

Transportation 

NREL-wide 

Notification 

and 

Registrations 

85936 NREL Registration X-Ray Machine 

Certification 

Report 

CDPHE STM 

Notification 

and 

Registrations 

85937 NREL Registration X-Ray Machine 

Certification 

Report 

CDPHE STM 

Notification 

and 

Registrations 

85938 NREL Registration X-Ray Machine 

Certification 

Report 

CDPHE STM 

Notification 

and 

Registrations 

92056 NREL Registration X-Ray Machine 

Certification 

Report 

CDPHE STM 

Permit P15-07-00003 NREL Permit Surgarcane 

Bagasse 

USDA APHIS AFUF (PDU) 
76 

Appendix B 

Common and Scientific Names of Wildlife Species Observed During Wildlife Surveys at the 

National Renewable Energy Laboratory South Table Mountain Site, Golden, Colorado. 

Table B.1. Wildlife Species Observed at the National Renewable Energy Laboratory South Table 

Mountain Site, Golden, CO 

COMMON NAME SCIENTIFIC NAME 

Reptiles 

Bull snake1 Pituophis catenifer 

Plains garter snake Thamnophis radix 

Six-lined racerunner Cnemidophorus sexlineatus 

Tiger salamander Ambystoma tigrinum 

Western rattlesnake Crotalus viridus 

Birds 

American crow Corvus brachyrhynchos 

American kestrel Falco sparverius 

American robin Turdus migratorius 

American tree sparrow Spizella arborea 

Barn swallow Hirundo rustica 

Black-billed magpie Pica pica 

Black-capped chickadee Poecile atricapilla 

Black-crowned night heron Nycticorax nycticorax 

Blue jay Cyanocitta cristata 

Brewer's blackbird Euphagus cyanocephalus 

Brown headed cowbird Molothrus ater 

Bullock's oriole Icterus bullockii 

California gull Larus californicus 

Canada goose Branta canadensis 

Common nighthawk Chordeiles minor 

Common raven Corvus corax 

Common snipe Gallinago gallinago 

Cooper’s hawk Accipiter cooperii 

Dark-eyed junco Junco hyemalis 

Downy woodpecker Picoides pubescens 

European starling Sturnus vulgaris 

Flycatcher Empidonax sp. 

Golden eagle Aquila chrysaetos 

Great blue heron Ardea herodias 

Horned lark1 Eremophila alpestris 

House finch Carpodacus mexicanus 

House sparrow Passer domesticus 

Killdeer Charadrius vociferous 

Lark bunting Calamospiza melanocorys 

Loggerhead shrike Lanius ludovicianus 

MacGillivray’s warbler Oporornis tolmiei 

Mallard Anas platyrhynchos 

Mountain bluebird Sialia currucoides 

Mourning dove Zenaida macroura 

Northern flicker Colaptes auratus 
77 

COMMON NAME SCIENTIFIC NAME 

Northern harrier Circus cyaneus 

Osprey Pandion haliaetus 

Prairie falcon Falco mexicanus 

Red-breasted nuthatch Sitta canadensis 

Red-tailed hawk Buteo jamaicensis 

Red-winged blackbird Agelaius phoeniceus 

Rock dove Columba livia 

Rock wren Salpinctes obsoletus 

Say's phoebe Sayornis saya 

Sharp-shinned hawk Accipiter striatus 

Spotted towhee Pipilo maculates 

Swainson’s hawk Buteo swainsoni 

Tree swallow Tachycineta bicolor 

Turkey vulture Cathartes aura 

Unidentified sparrow 1 - 

Unidentified sparrow 2 - 

Unidentified species - 

Unidentified warbler - 

Vesper sparrow Pooecetes gramineus 

Western kingbird Tyrannus verticalis 

Western meadowlark Sturnella neglecta 

Western scrub jay Aphelocoma californica 

White-crowned sparrow Zonotrichia leucophrys 

Mammals 

Black-tailed jackrabbit1 Lepus californicus 

Bushy-tailed woodrat1 Neotoma cinerea 

Coyote Canis latrans 

Deer mouse Peromyscus maniculatus 

Fox squirrel Sciurus niger 

Long-tailed weasel Mustela frenata 

Mexican woodrat Neotoma mexicana 

Mountain cottontail Sylvilagus nuttalli 

Mule deer Odocoileus hemionus 

Prairie vole Microtus ochrogaster 

Raccoon Procyon lotor 

Red fox Vulpes vulpes 

Western harvest mouse Reithrodontomys megalotis 

White-tailed jackrabbit Lepus townsendii 

Yellow-bellied marmot1 Marmota flaviventris 1

 Species observed during the 1987 survey, but not during the 2004-2005 surveys.
78 

Appendix C 

2007 master plan list for the National Renewable Energy Laboratory. 

Table C.1. National Renewable Energy Laboratory Master Plant List, 2007 

Family Scientific Binomial Common Name

Aceraceae - Maple Family Negundo aceroides Box elder 

Aclepiadaceae - Milkweed Family Asclepias pumila Plains milkweed 

Agavaceae - Agave Family Yucca glauca Yucca 

Alliaceae - Onion Family Allium textile Wild onion 

Alsinaceae - Chickweed Family Cerastrium strictum Mouse-ear 

Alsinaceae - Chickweed Family Paronychia jamesii James' nailwort 

Anacardiaceae - Sumac Family Rhus aromatica var. trilobata Skunkbrush 

Anacardiaceae - Sumac Family Toxicodendron rydbergii Poison ivy 

Apiaceae - Parsley Family Comiun maculatum Poison hemlock 

Apocynaceae - Dogbane Family Apocynum cannabinum Indian hemp 

Asclepiadaceae - Milkweed Family Asclepias incarnata Swamp milkweed 

Asclepiadaceae - Milkweed Family Asclepias speciosa Showy milkweed 

Asclepiadaceae - Milkweed Family Asclepias viridiflora Green flowered 

milkweed 

Asparagaceae - Asparagus Family Asparagus officinalis Asparagus 

Asteraceae - Sunflower Family Agoseris glauca False dandelion 

Asteraceae - Sunflower Family Ambrosia psilostachya Western ragweed 

Asteraceae - Sunflower Family Ambrosia trifida Giant ragweed 

Asteraceae - Sunflower Family Arctium minus Common burdock 

Asteraceae - Sunflower Family Artemisia biennis Sagewort 

Asteraceae - Sunflower Family Artemisia dracunculus Dragon sagewort 

Asteraceae - Sunflower Family Artemisia frigida Fringed sagebrush 

Asteraceae - Sunflower Family Artemisia ludoviciana Prairie sagewort 

Asteraceae - Sunflower Family Artemisia tridentata Big sagebrush 

Asteraceae - Sunflower Family Aster porteri White aster 

Asteraceae - Sunflower Family Aster sp. Aster 

Asteraceae - Sunflower Family Brickellia eupatorioides Brickellia 

Asteraceae - Sunflower Family Brickellia rosmarinifolia 

subsp. chlorolepis 

Brickellia 

Asteraceae - Sunflower Family Carduus nutans Musk thistle 

Asteraceae - Sunflower Family Centaurea diffusa Diffuse knapweed 

Asteraceae - Sunflower Family Chrysothamnus nauseosus 

subsp. graveolens 

Rubber rabbitbrush 

Asteraceae - Sunflower Family Cirsium arvense Canada thistle 

Asteraceae - Sunflower Family Cirsium canescens Hairy thistle 

Asteraceae - Sunflower Family Cirsium undulatum Wavyleaf thistle 

Asteraceae - Sunflower Family Coreopsis tinctoria Plains coreopsis 

Asteraceae - Sunflower Family Dyssodia papposa Fetid marigold 

Asteraceae - Sunflower Family Erigeron colo-mexicanus Fleabane 

Asteraceae - Sunflower Family Erigeron flagellaris Daisy fleabane 

Asteraceae - Sunflower Family Gaillardia aristata Blanketflower 

Asteraceae - Sunflower Family Grindelia inornata Rayless gumweed 

Asteraceae - Sunflower Family Grindelia squarrosa Curlycup gumweed 

Asteraceae - Sunflower Family Gutierrezia sarothrae Broom snakeweed 

Asteraceae - Sunflower Family Helianthus annuus Common sunflower 
79 

Family Scientific Binomial Common Name

Asteraceae - Sunflower Family Helianthus pumilus Sunflower 

Asteraceae - Sunflower Family Heterotheca villosa Hairy golden aster 

Asteraceae - Sunflower Family Lactuca serriola Prickly lettuce 

Asteraceae - Sunflower Family Lactuca tatarica subsp. 

pulchella 

Siberian lettuce 

Asteraceae - Sunflower Family Liatris punctata Dotted gayfeather 

Asteraceae - Sunflower Family Lygodesmia juncea Rush skeletonplant 

Asteraceae - Sunflower Family Oligosporus pacificus Field sagewort 

Asteraceae - Sunflower Family Onopordum acanthium Scotch thistle 

Asteraceae - Sunflower Family Podospermum laciniatum False salsify 

Asteraceae - Sunflower Family Ratibida columnifera Prairie coneflower 

Asteraceae - Sunflower Family Ratibida tagetes Coneflower 

Asteraceae - Sunflower Family Senecio integerrimus Grounsel 

Asteraceae - Sunflower Family Solidago missouriensis Prairie goldenrod 

Asteraceae - Sunflower Family Solidago mollis Soft goldenrod 

Asteraceae - Sunflower Family Taraxacum officinale Common dandelion 

Asteraceae - Sunflower Family Tragopogon dubius Goatsbeard 

Asteraceae - Sunflower Family Xanthium strumarium Cocklebur 

Boraginaceae - Borage Family Cynoglossum officinale Houndstongue 

Boraginaceae - Borage Family Lithospermum incisum Narrowleaf gromwell 

Boraginaceae - Borage Family Mertensia lanceolata Bluebells 

Boraginaceae - Borage Family Onosmodium molle subsp. 

occidentale 

Marbleseed 

Brassicaceae - Mustard Family Alyssum alyssoides Pale alyssum 

Brassicaceae - Mustard Family Alyssum parviflorum Alyssum 

Brassicaceae - Mustard Family Camelina microcarpa Small-seeded false 

flax 

Brassicaceae - Mustard Family Descurainia pinnata Tansy mustard 

Brassicaceae - Mustard Family Descurainia sophia Tansy mustard 

Brassicaceae - Mustard Family Erysimum capitatum Western wallflower 

Brassicaceae - Mustard Family Lesquerella ludoviciana Bladderpod 

Brassicaceae - Mustard Family Physaria vitulifera Fiddle bladderpod 

Brassicaceae - Mustard Family Sisymbrium altissimum Tumbling mustard 

Brassicaceae - Mustard Family Thlaspi arvense Fanweed 

Cactaceae - Cactus Family Coryphantha missouriensis Yellow pincushion 

Cactaceae - Cactus Family Coryphantha vivipara var. 

vivipara 

Nipple cactus 

Cactaceae - Cactus Family Echinocereus viridiflorus Hen-and-chicks 

Cactaceae - Cactus Family Echinocerus triglochidialis Claret cup 

Cactaceae - Cactus Family Opuntia fragilis Brittle cactus 

Cactaceae - Cactus Family Opuntia macrorhiza Plains prickly pear 

Cactaceae - Cactus Family Opuntia phaeacantha New Mexican prickly 

pear 

Cactaceae - Cactus Family Opuntia polyacantha Plains prickly pear 

Campanulaceae - Bellflower Family Campanula rotundifolia Common harebell 

Caprifoliaceae - Honeysuckle Family Symphoricarpos occidentalis Western snowberry 

Caryophyllaceae - Pink Family Vibernum lantana Wayfaring tree 

Chenopodiaceae - Goosefoot Family Atriplex canescens Fourwing saltbush 

Chenopodiaceae - Goosefoot Family Bassia sieversiana Kochia 

Chenopodiaceae - Goosefoot Family Chenopodium album Common 
80 

Family Scientific Binomial Common Name

lambsquarters 

Chenopodiaceae - Goosefoot Family Chenopodium berlandieri Goosefoot 

Chenopodiaceae - Goosefoot Family Salsola iberica Russian-thistle 

Commelinaceae Tradescantia occidentalis Spiderwort 

Convolvulaceae - Morning Glory Family Convolvulus arvensis Field bindweed 

Crassulaceae - Stonecrop Family Amerosedum lanceolatum Yellow stonecrop 

Cupressaceae - Cypress Family Sabina scopulorum Rocky mountain 

juniper 

Cyperaceae - Sedge Family Carex brevior Sedge 

Cyperaceae - Sedge Family Carex pensylvanica subsp. 

heliophila 

Sun sedge 

Cyperaceae - Sedge Family Carex praegracilis Slender sedge 

Cyperaceae - Sedge Family Carex sp. Sedge 

Cyperaceae - Sedge Family Carex utriculata Sedge 

Cyperaceae - Sedge Family Eleocharis elliptica var. 

compressa 

Spikerush 

Cyperaceae - Sedge Family Eleocharis palustris Spike-rush 

Cyperaceae - Sedge Family Scirpus sp. Bulrush 

Dipsacaceae - Teasel Family Dipsacus sylvestris Teasel 

Elaeagnaceae - Oleaster Family Elaeagnus angustifolia Russian-olive 

Elaeagnaceae - Oleaster Family Shepherdia argentea Silverberry 

Euphorbiaceae - Spurge Family Agaloma marginata Snow-on-the-mountain 

Euphorbiaceae - Spurge Family Chamaesyce glyptopsperma Ridgeseed spurge 

Euphorbiaceae - Spurge Family Poinsettia dentata Toothed spurge 

Euphorbiaceae - Spurge Family Tithymalus brachyceras Spurge 

Euphorbiaceae - Spurge Family Tithymalus montanus Spurge 

Euphorbiaceae - Spurge Family Tragia ramosa Noseburn 

Fabaceae - Pea Family Astragalus drummondii Drummonds milk vetch 

Fabaceae - Pea Family Astragalus shortianus Milk vetch 

Fabaceae - Pea Family Dalea candida White prairie clover 

Fabaceae - Pea Family Dalea purpurea Purple prairie clover 

Fabaceae - Pea Family Glycyrrhiza lepidota American licorice 

Fabaceae - Pea Family Lathyrus eucosmus Elegant peavine 

Fabaceae - Pea Family Lupinus argenteus Silver lupine 

Fabaceae - Pea Family Medicago sativa Alfalfa 

Fabaceae - Pea Family Melilotus officinalis Yellow sweetclover 

Fabaceae - Pea Family Melilotus sp. Sweetclover 

Fabaceae - Pea Family Oxytropis lambertii Lambert locoweed 

Fabaceae - Pea Family Psoralidium tenuiflora Slimflower scurfpea 

Fabaceae - Pea Family Thermopsis divaricarpa Prairie goldenpea 

Fabaceae - Pea Family Vicia americana American vetch 

Geraniaceae - Geranium Family Erodium cicutarium Filaree 

Geraniaceae - Geranium Family Geranium caespitosum 

subsp. caespitosum 

Wild geranium 

Grossulariaceae - Current Family Ribes aureum Golden current 

Grossulariaceae - Current Family Ribes cereum Wax current 

Helleboraceae - Hellebore Family Delphinium carolinianum 

subsp. virescens 

Prairie larkspur 

Hydrophyllaceae - Waterleaf Family Phacelia heterophylla Scorpionweed 

Hydrophyllaceae - Water-leaf Family Phacelia hastata Whiteleaf phacelia 
81 

Family Scientific Binomial Common Name

Juncaceae - Rush Family Juncus arcticus Rush 

Juncaceae - Rush Family Juncus interior Rush 

Juncaceae - Rush Family Juncus sp. Rush 

Lamiaceae - Mint Family Mentha arvensis Fieldmint 

Lamiaceae - Mint Family Monarda fistulosa Bee balm 

Lamiaceae - Mint Family Nepeta cataria Catnip 

Lamiaceae - Mint Family Scutellaria brittonii Britton's skullcap 

Linaceae - Flax Family Adenolinum lewisii Wild flax 

Loasaceae - Loasa Family Nuttalia nuda Blazingstar 

Malvaceae - Mallow Family Malva neglecta Common mallow 

Malvaceae - Mallow Family Sphaeralcea coccinea Scarlet globemallow 

Nyctaginaceae - Four-o'clock Family Oxybaphus linearis Narrowleaf 

umbrellawort 

Nyctaginaceae - Four-o'clock Family Oxybaphus nyctagineus Wild four-o'clocks 

Oleaceae - Olive Family Fraxinus pensylvanica var. 

lanceolata 

Green ash 

Onagraceae - Evening-primrose Family Epilobium brachycarpum Willowherb 

Onagraceae - Evening-primrose Family Gaura mollis Gaura 

Onagraceae - Evening-primrose Family Gaura parviflora Smallflower gaura 

Papaveraceae - Poppy Family Argemone hispida Hairy poppy 

Pinaceae - Pine Family Pinus edulis Pinon pine 

Pinaceae - Pine Family Pinus ponderosa Ponderosa pine 

Plantaginaceae - Plantain Family Plantago major Common plantain 

Plantaginaceae - Plantain Family Plantago patagonica Woolly plantain 

Poaceae - Grass Family Aegilops cylindrica Jointed goatgrass 

Poaceae - Grass Family Agropyron cristatum Crested wheatgrass 

Poaceae - Grass Family Agropyron intermedium Intermediate 

wheatgrass 

Poaceae - Grass Family Agrostis stolonifera Redtop 

Poaceae - Grass Family Andropogon gerardii Big bluestem 

Poaceae - Grass Family Anisantha tectorum Cheatgrass 

Poaceae - Grass Family Aristida purpurea Three-awn 

Poaceae - Grass Family Bouteloua curtipendula Side-oats grama 

Poaceae - Grass Family Bromopis inermis Smooth bromegrass 

Poaceae - Grass Family Bromus japonicus Japanese brome 

Poaceae - Grass Family Buchloë dactyloides Buffalograss 

Poaceae - Grass Family Chondrosum gracile Blue grama 

Poaceae - Grass Family Critesion jubatum Foxtail barley 

Poaceae - Grass Family Dactylis glomerata Orchard grass 

Poaceae - Grass Family Echinochloa crusgalli Barnyard grass 

Poaceae - Grass Family Elymus canadensis Canada wild rye 

Poaceae - Grass Family Elymus lanceolatus subsp. 

psammophilus 

Streambank 

wheatgrass 

Poaceae - Grass Family Elymus trachycaulus ssp. 

trachycaulus 

Slender wheatgrass 

Poaceae - Grass Family Festuca sp. Fescue 

Poaceae - Grass Family Hesperostipa comata Needle-and-thread 

Poaceae - Grass Family Lophopyrum elongatum Tall wheatgrass 

Poaceae - Grass Family Muhlenbergia richardsonis Mat muhly 

Poaceae - Grass Family Panicum capillare Witchgrass 
82 

Family Scientific Binomial Common Name

Poaceae - Grass Family Panicum virgatum Switchgrass 

Poaceae - Grass Family Pascopyrum smithii Western wheatgrass 

Poaceae - Grass Family Phleum pratense Common Timothy 

Poaceae - Grass Family Poa compressa Canada bluegrass 

Poaceae - Grass Family Poa pratensis Kentucky bluegrass 

Poaceae - Grass Family Poa secunda Canby bluegrass 

Poaceae - Grass Family Schedonnardus paniculatus Tumblegrass 

Poaceae - Grass Family Schizachyrium scoparium Little bluestem 

Poaceae - Grass Family Setaria viridis Green floxtail 

Poaceae - Grass Family Seteria glauca Yellow foxtail 

Poaceae - Grass Family Sorghastrum nutans Indian-grass 

Poaceae - Grass Family Sporobolus cryptandrus Sand dropseed 

Poaceae - Grass Family Sporobolus sp. Dropseed 

Poaceae - Grass Family Stipa viridula Green needlegrass 

Poaceae - Grass Family Vulpia octoflora Six-weeks fescue 

Polemoniaceae - Phlox Family Ipomopsis aggregata subsp. 

candida 

Gilia 

Polygonaceae - Buckwheat Family Eriogonum annuum Annual eriogonun 

Polygonaceae - Buckwheat Family Eriogonum effusum Spreading wild 

buckwheat 

Polygonaceae - Buckwheat Family Eriogonum flavum Yellow wild buckwheat 

Polygonaceae - Buckwheat Family Eriogonum umbellatum Wild buckwheat 

Polygonaceae - Buckwheat Family Persicaria maculata Lady's thumb 

Polygonaceae - Buckwheat Family Pterogonum alatum Winged buckwheat 

Polygonaceae - Buckwheat Family Rumex crispus Curly dock 

Ranunculaceae - Buttercup Family Clematis ligusticifolia Virgin's bower 

Ranunculaceae - Buttercup Family Ranculus abortivus subsp. 

acrolasius 

Buttercup 

Rhamnaceae - Buckthorn Family Ceanothus fendleri Buckbrush 

Rosaceae - Rose Family Cercocarpus montanus Mountain-mahogany 

Rosaceae - Rose Family Crataegus macracantha var. 

occidentalis 

Western hawthorn 

Rosaceae - Rose Family Drymocallis fissa Cinquefoil 

Rosaceae - Rose Family Oreobatus deliciosus Boulder raspberry 

Rosaceae - Rose Family Padus virginiana subsp. 

melanocarpa 

Chokecherry 

Rosaceae - Rose Family Prunus americana Wild plum 

Rosaceae - Rose Family Pyrus malus Apple 

Rosaceae - Rose Family Rosa arkansana Prairie rose 

Rosaceae - Rose Family Rosa woodsii Woods rose 

Rubiaceae - Madder Family Galium spurium Cleavers 

Salicaceae - Willow Family Populus deltoides Plains cottonwood 

Salicaceae - Willow Family Populus x acuminata 

Salicaceae - Willow Family Salix amygdaloides Peach-leaf willow 

Salicaceae - Willow Family Salix exigua Sandbar willow 

Salicaceae - Willow Family Salix fragilis Crack willow 

Salicaceae - Willow Family Salix lutea Yellow willow 

Santalaceae - Sandelwood Family Commandra umbellata Bastard-toadflax 

Scrophulariaceae - Figwort Family Castilleja integra Indian paintbrush 

Scrophulariaceae - Figwort Family Linaria genistifolia subsp. Dalmatian toadflax 
83 

Family Scientific Binomial Common Name

dalmatica 

Scrophulariaceae - Figwort Family Penstemon virgatus Penstemon 

Scrophulariaceae - Figwort Family Penstmon angustifolius Narrow beardtongue 

Scrophulariaceae - Figwort Family Scrophularia lanceolata Figwort 

Scrophulariaceae - Figwort Family Verbascum thapsus Common mullein 

Scrophulariaceae - Figwort Family Veronica catenata Speedwell 

Selaginellaceae - Little Club-moss 

Family 

Selaginella densa Little club moss 

Solanaceae - Nightshade Family Physalis virginiana Virginia ground-cherry 

Typhaceae - Cattail Family Typha angustifolia Narrow-leaved cattail 

Typhaceae - Cattail Family Typha latifolia Common cattail 

Ulmaceae - Elm Family Celtis reticulata Netleaf hackberry 

Ulmaceae - Elm Family Ulmus pumila Chinese elm 

Verbebaceae - Verbena Family Verbena bracteata Prostrate verbena 

Zygophyllaceae - Caltrop Family Tribulus terrestris Puncturevine 
F1147-E(10/2008) 

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1. REPORT DATE (DD-MM-YYYY)

November 2008 

2. REPORT TYPE

Management Report 

3. DATES COVERED (From - To)

 

4. TITLE AND SUBTITLE

National Renewable Energy Laboratory Environmental Performance 

Report for 2007 (Annual Site Environmental Report per DOE Orders 

231.1 and 5400.5)

5a. CONTRACT NUMBER

DE-AC36-08-GO28308 

5b. GRANT NUMBER

5c. PROGRAM ELEMENT NUMBER

6. AUTHOR(S)

J. Eickhoff, D. Rayborn, F. Rukavina, and M. Jordan

5d. PROJECT NUMBER

NREL/MP-190-43663 

5e. TASK NUMBER

1960.1000 

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National Renewable Energy Laboratory 

1617 Cole Blvd. 

Golden, CO 80401-3393 

8. PERFORMING ORGANIZATION

REPORT NUMBER

NREL/MP-190-43663 

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NREL 

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13. SUPPLEMENTARY NOTES

14. ABSTRACT (Maximum 200 Words)

This report presents a summary of NREL’s environmental protection programs and activities for 2007. It is organized 

according to the different environmental media (e.g., air, waste, ground water, etc.), and includes a brief summary of 

how the program is managed in that area, any permitting or notification efforts that have been completed during the 

reporting period or are ongoing, and activities that have occurred during the reporting period in that environmental 

area. A description of the environmental condition and features of NREL’s sites is also included to provide a basis for 

the program overview. 

15. SUBJECT TERMS

NREL; ESH&Q; Annual Report; 2007; Climate; Compliance summary; Environmental management; Environmental 

occurrences; Environmental programs; Conservation easement lands; Denise Rayborn; Maureen Jordan; John 

Eickhoff; Frank Rukavina

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