Source: https://es.scribd.com/document/39211225/Tri-Valley-Cares-v-U-S-Dept-of-Energy-MSJ
Timestamp: 2019-09-15 21:34:26
Document Index: 84456339

Matched Legal Cases: ['§ 4321', '§ 4332', '§ 1501', '§ 1508', '§ 4332', '§ 1501', '§ 1508', '§ 706', '§ 1508', '§ 1508', 'arts\n2', '§ 4332', '§4332', '§\n14', '§ 1508', '§ 1508', '§ 1508', '§ 1502', '§ 1021', '§ 1501', '§ 1501']

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Case4:08-cv-01372-SBA Document87 Filed09/30/10 Page1 of 21
TRI-VALLEY CARES, et al., Case No: C 08-1372 SBA
vs. ECF Nos. 73, 77, 85
9 ENERGY, NATIONAL NUCLEAR
SECURITY ADMINISTRATION, and
10 LAWRENCE LIVERMORE NATIONAL
13 Plaintiffs Tri Valley Cares, Marylia Kelley and Janis Kate Turner (collectively
14 “Plaintiffs”) bring the instant civil action under the National Environmental Policy Act of
15 1969 (“NEPA”), 42 U.S.C. § 4321 et seq., to challenge the decision by Defendant
16 Department of Energy (“DOE”) to commence the operation of a Biosafety Level 3 (“BSL-
17 3”) facility at Lawrence Livermore National Laboratory (“LLNL”) in Livermore,
18 California. In particular, Plaintiffs contend that the DOE relied on an inadequate Final
19 Revised Environmental Assessment (“FREA”). As Defendants, Plaintiffs have named the
20 DOE, the National Nuclear Security Administration (“NNSA”) and LLNL.1
21 The parties are presently before the Court on Plaintiffs and Defendants’ respective
22 motions for summary judgment. ECF Nos. 73, 77. Having read and considered the papers
23 filed in connection with this matter and being fully informed, the Court hereby GRANTS
24 Defendants’ motion for summary judgment as to all Counts alleged in the Amended
25 Complaint, and DENIES Plaintiffs’ motion for summary judgment. The Court, in its
28 1 The Court refers to the DOE and Defendants interchangeably.
Case4:08-cv-01372-SBA Document87 Filed09/30/10 Page2 of 21
1 discretion, finds this matter suitable for resolution without oral argument. See Fed.R.Civ.P.
2 78(b); N.D. Cal. Civ. L.R. 7-1(b).
4 A. OVERVIEW
5 The parties are familiar with the facts of this case, which are summarized herein as
6 they are pertinent to the issues that remain before this Court.2 The LLNL is a DOE national
7 scientific research laboratory operated by the University of California, located in
8 Livermore, California. AR 122 at 2, ECF No. 78, Ex. 1. Defendant NNSA, an agency
9 within the DOE, conducts work at LLNL aimed at enhancing national security by, inter
10 alia, reducing threats from weapons of mass destruction. Id. at 3. Consistent with its
11 mission, the NNSA has operated biological laboratories at the LLNL with Biosafety Level
12 1 (BSL-1) and Biosafety Level 1 (BSL-2) containment and protection. Id. at 5.3
13 On December 16, 2002, the NNSA authorized construction of a BSL-3 facility
14 laboratory at LLNL. Id. at 4. Previously, the LLNL conducted BSL-3 research at off-site
15 private sector and university facilities. Id. at 8. However, continued off-site operations
16 were deemed inadequate because security could not be guaranteed, samples were
17 jeopardized by excessive handling and transportation, and external labs were frequently
18 committed to other projects. Id. Thus, the DOE determined that, for security reasons,
19 future bioscience work required construction of an on-site BSL-3 facility at LLNL. Id.
20 The DOE decided to assemble the BSL-3 lab as a prefabricated building next to the
21 existing BSL-2 facility. Id. at 9. The 1,500 square-foot facility contains three BSL-3 lab
22 rooms and is designed for occupancy of up to six workers. Id. The facility was designed in
23 accordance guidelines for BSL-3 laboratories, and is equipped with an array of overlapping
2An extensive discussion of the background of this case is set forth in the Court’s
25 Order denying Plaintiffs’ motion for preliminary injunction. ECF No. 58 at 2-13.
A biosafety level is the level of the biocontainment precautions required to isolate
dangerous biological agents from infectious microorganisms and laboratory animals in an
27 enclosed facility. Id. at A-1. There are four biosafety levels; the higher the level, the
greater the degree of protection provided to personnel, the environment and the community.
Case4:08-cv-01372-SBA Document87 Filed09/30/10 Page3 of 21
1 safety features. Id. at 11. Two High Efficiency Particulate Air-Purifying filtration banks
2 operate in series to filter air leaving the lab. Id. at 16. In the event of a power outage, a
3 backup generator enables workers to safely shut down the labs and zone-tight dampeners
4 close to prevent air flow within the facility. Id. Further, the laboratory operates at negative
5 air pressure, such that air would be drawn into the facility in the event a breach. Id.;
6 Hofherr Decl. ¶ 6, ECF No. 12-8.
7 B. PRIOR LITIGATION INVOLVING THE ENVIRONMENTAL ASSESSMENT
8 In December 2002, the DOE issued its Environmental Assessment (“EA”) and
9 Finding of No Significant Impact (“FONSI”), at which time construction on the proposed
10 BSL-3 facility commenced. AR 122 at ii; AR 1.4 On August 26, 2003, Plaintiffs filed suit
11 in this Court under NEPA, challenging the EA on numerous grounds. Tri-Valley Cares v.
12 U.S. Dept. of Energy, No. C 03-3926 SBA (N.D. Cal. filed Aug. 26, 2003). The Court
13 granted Defendants’ motion for summary judgment and denied Plaintiffs’ cross-motion.
14 Id., 2004 WL 2043034 at *1 (N.D. Cal. filed Sept. 10, 2004). In its order, the Court found
15 that the initial EA supported the issuance of a FONSI and did not require an EIS. Id. On
16 appeal, the Ninth Circuit affirmed, in part, and reversed, in part. Id., 2006 WL 2971651
17 (9th Cir. filed Oct. 16, 2006). Citing its then recent decision in San Luis Obispo Mothers
18 for Peace v. Nuclear Regulatory Comm’n, 449 F.3d 1016 (9th Cir. 2006), the court held
19 that the EA failed to consider the environmental impact of a terrorist attack. Tri-Valley
20 Cares, 2004 WL 2043034 at *2. The court remanded the action solely “for the DOE to
21 consider whether the threat of terrorist activity necessitates the preparation of an
24 4 As will be discussed in more detail below, NEPA requires the preparation of an
environmental impact statement (“EIS”) for “major Federal actions significantly affecting
25 the quality of the human environment.” 42 U.S.C. § 4332(2)(C). To decide whether an EIS
is required, the NEPA process begins with preparation of a brief EA. 40 C.F.R. § 1501.4.
26 On the basis of the EA, agencies decide whether a more detailed EIS is appropriate. Id. If
an agency decides that an EIS is not necessary, it issues a FONSI. Id. Otherwise, the
27 agency prepares an EIS. Id. In an EIS, an agency must study the environmental impacts of
its preferred action and various alternatives, including the possibility of taking no action at
28 all. Id. § 1508.25(b).
Case4:08-cv-01372-SBA Document87 Filed09/30/10 Page4 of 21
1 Environmental Impact Statement.” Id. In so ruling, the court carefully noted that it was not
2 prejudging the “wide variety of actions [the agency] may take on remand. . . .” Id.
3 C. POST-REMAND DEVELOPMENTS
4 In March 2007, the DOE released for public comment a Draft Revised EA
5 (“DREA”), which specifically addressed the impacts potentially associated with terrorist
6 attacks. AR 122 at ii. On January 25, 2008, the DOE released its FREA and a Revised
7 FONSI, and operations at the BSL-3 facility commenced. AR 122, 123; Gard Decl. ¶ 3,
8 ECF No. 12-6. The FREA contains an extensive analysis of threats posed by terrorist
9 activity. AR 122 at 56-64.
10 On March 10, 2008, Plaintiffs filed the instant action to challenge the adequacy of
11 the FREA, and subsequently moved for a preliminary injunction to enjoin the operation of
12 the BSL-3 facility. On February 9, 2009, the Court denied the motion. ECF No. 58.
13 Shortly thereafter, on March 20, 2009, Plaintiffs filed an Amended Complaint which
14 alleges claims that Defendants: (1) failed to prepare an adequate FREA and Revised
15 FONSI; (2) failed to conduct an environmental analysis in good faith; (3) failed to prepare
16 an EIS; (4) failed to supplement the FREA; and (5) failed to publicly circulate the FONSI.
17 Am. Compl. ¶¶ 84-98, ECF No. 61.
18 Plaintiffs have now filed a motion for summary judgment in which they seek
19 judgment compelling Defendants to prepare an EIS, or alternatively, to prepare a revised
20 EA and to reconsider whether an EIS is necessary. Pls.’ Mot. at 20, ECF No. 73. Plaintiffs
21 also seek to enjoin Defendants from further operation of the BSL-3 facility “until such time
22 as Defendants comply with NEPA.” Id. Defendants have filed a cross-motion for
23 summary judgment as to all claims alleged in the pleadings. ECF No. 77. The matter has
24 been fully briefed and is now ripe for determination.
26 Rule 56(c) of the Federal Rules of Civil Procedure authorizes summary judgment if
27 there is no genuine issue as to any material fact and the moving party is entitled to
28 judgment as a matter of law. See Anderson v. Liberty Lobby, Inc., 477 U.S. 242, 247-48
Case4:08-cv-01372-SBA Document87 Filed09/30/10 Page5 of 21
1 (1986). The moving party bears the initial burden of demonstrating the basis for the motion
2 and identifying the portions of the pleadings, depositions, answers to interrogatories,
3 affidavits, and admissions on file that establish the absence of a triable issue of material
4 fact. Celotex Corp. v. Catrett, 477 U.S. 317, 323 (1986). If the moving party meets this
5 initial burden, the burden then shifts to the non-moving party to present specific facts
6 showing that there is a genuine issue for trial. Fed.R.Civ.P. 56(e); Celotex, 477 U.S. at
7 324; Matsushita Elec. Indus. Co. v. Zenith Radio Corp., 475 U.S. 574, 586-87 (1986).
8 “On a motion for summary judgment, ‘facts must be viewed in the light most
9 favorable to the nonmoving party only if there is a ‘genuine’ dispute as to those facts.’”
10 Ricci v. DeStefano, -- U.S. --, 129 S.Ct. 2658, 2677 (2009) (quoting Scott v. Harris, 550
11 U.S. 372, 380 (2007)). An issue of fact is “material” if, under the substantive law of the
12 case, resolution of the factual dispute might affect the outcome of the claim. See Anderson,
13 477 U.S. at 248. Factual disputes are genuine if they “properly can be resolved in favor of
14 either party.” Id. at 250. Accordingly, a genuine issue for trial exists if the non-movant
15 presents evidence from which a reasonable jury, viewing the evidence in the light most
16 favorable to that party, could resolve the material issue in his or her favor. Id. “If the
17 evidence is merely colorable, or is not significantly probative, summary judgment may be
18 granted.” Id. at 249-50 (internal citations omitted). Only admissible evidence may be
19 considered in ruling on a motion for motion for summary judgment. Fed.R.Civ.P. 56(e);
20 Orr v. Bank of Am., 285 F.3d 764, 773 (9th Cir. 2002).
22 A. STANDARD OF REVIEW UNDER NEPA
23 NEPA requires the preparation of an EIS for “major Federal actions significantly
24 affecting the quality of the human environment.” 42 U.S.C. § 4332(2)(C). “The purpose of
25 NEPA is twofold: 1) to ensure that the agency proposing major federal action will have
26 available, and will carefully consider, detailed information concerning significant
27 environmental impacts, . . . and 2) to guarantee that the relevant information will be made
28 available to the larger public audience.” South Coast Air Quality Mgmt. Dist. v. F.E.R.C.,
Case4:08-cv-01372-SBA Document87 Filed09/30/10 Page6 of 21
1 -- F.3d --, 2010 WL 3504649, at *4 (9th Cir. Sept. 9, 2010).
2 “[I]f, as here, an agency’s regulations do not categorically require the preparation of
3 an EIS, then the agency must first prepare an EA to determine whether the action will have
4 a significant effect on the environment.” Metcalf v. Daley, 214 F.3d 1135, 1142 (9th Cir.
5 2000); 40 C.F.R. § 1501.4. On the basis of the EA, the agency decides whether a more
6 detailed EIS is appropriate. Id. If an agency decides that an EIS is unnecessary, it issues a
7 FONSI (i.e., Finding of No Significant Impact). Id. Otherwise, the agency prepares an
8 EIS. Id. In an EIS, an agency must study the environmental impacts of its preferred action
9 and various alternatives, including the possibility of taking no action at all. Id.,
10 § 1508.25(b). “NEPA is a purely procedural statute, intended to protect the environment by
11 fostering informed agency decision-making.” Hapner v. Tidwell, -- F.3d --, 2010 WL
12 3565255, at *3 (9th Cir. Sept. 15, 2010). “NEPA’s goal is satisfied once this information is
13 properly disclosed; thus, NEPA exists to ensure a process, not to ensure any result.” Inland
14 Empire Public Lands Council v. U.S. Forest Serv., 88 F.3d 754, 758 (9th Cir. 1996).
15 Judicial review of administrative actions under NEPA is governed by the
16 Administrative Procedure Act (“APA”). Ctr. for Biological Diversity v. Nat’l Highway
17 Traffic Safety Admin., 538 F.3d 1172, 1194 (9th Cir. 2008). Under the APA, the Court
18 must determine whether the agency action was “arbitrary and capricious, an abuse of
19 discretion, or otherwise not in accordance with law.” 5 U.S.C. § 706. “The arbitrary and
20 capricious standard requires [the Court] to ensure that an agency has taken the requisite
21 hard look at the environmental consequences of its proposed action, carefully reviewing the
22 record to ascertain whether the agency decision is founded on a reasoned evaluation of the
23 relevant factors.” Te-Moak Tribe of W. Shoshone of Nev. v. U.S. Dept. of Interior 608
24 F.3d 592, 599 (9th Cir. 2010) (internal quotation mark omitted). “The standard is narrow
25 and the reviewing court may not substitute its judgment for that of the agency.” Envtl. Def.
26 Ctr. v. EPA, 344 F.3d 832, 858 n.36 (9th Cir. 2003).
Case4:08-cv-01372-SBA Document87 Filed09/30/10 Page7 of 21
1 B. COUNT 1: FAILURE TO PREPARE AN ADEQUATE FREA/REVISED FONSI
2 1. Breach of Containment
3 Plaintiffs contend that the DOE failed to undertake the requisite “hard look” at the
4 impacts that may result from terrorist activity at the LLNL BS-3 facility. First, they assert
5 that the DOE’s containment analysis is inadequate. Pls.’ Mot. at 14-15. In addressing the
6 threat of terrorist attack, the DOE considered the impacts of a release caused by a
7 catastrophic event where all of the containment systems at LLNL failed. AR 122 at 57.
8 The DOE utilized a hypothetical Release Scenario in which pathogenic agents inadvertently
9 are released into the lab due to the faulty operation of a centrifuge, which allows leakage of
10 the agents from various centrifuge tubes. AR 122 at 52. Plaintiffs argue that the FREA is
11 inadequate because the DOE relied on a Release Scenario based on an accidental release,
12 and that other scenarios such as where the release is intentionally triggered by a suicidal
13 plane crash or explosion should also have been considered. Pls.’ Mot. at 15-16.
14 In connection with Plaintiffs’ motion for preliminary injunction, the Court
15 previously considered the propriety of the DOE’s containment analysis in this respect and
16 concluded that it was “not arbitrary or capricious.” ECF No. 58 at 19. As the Court
17 explained previously, “the Release Scenario is not intended to mimic any specific type of
18 terrorist attack. Rather, it simply models the bounded conditions for a release due to a loss
19 of containment attributable to an accident, a natural catastrophe, or a terrorist attack.” ECF
20 Id. No. 58 at 21-22 (emphasis added). In other words, the point of the analysis is the loss
21 of containment, as opposed to the actual cause of the release. Plaintiffs continue to ignore
22 this analytical distinction, and thus, have not persuaded the Court to reconsider its earlier
23 finding that that the DOE did not act arbitrarily or capriciously in defining the applicable
24 Release Scenario.
25 Next, Plaintiffs assert that the DOE’s analysis is flawed because it allegedly violated
26 various provisions of its own guidelines, including the Guidelines Memo and the DOE
27 Emergency Management Guide (“EM Guide”). Pls.’ Mot. at 14-16. As a threshold matter,
28 internal agency guidance documents are not legally enforceable. W. Radio Serv. v. Espy,
Case4:08-cv-01372-SBA Document87 Filed09/30/10 Page8 of 21
1 79 F.3d 896, 901-902 (9th Cir. 1996). Thus, DOE’s alleged failure follow the Guidelines
2 Memo or EM Guide is insufficient to establish that the DOE acted arbitrarily or
3 capriciously solely on that ground. That aside, the record establishes that the DOE took the
4 requisite “hard look” at the issue of whether and how to utilize bounding analyses, and
5 whether and how to use the Release Scenario in analyzing the potential impact of a terrorist
6 attack. AR 122 at 58-59; see also ECF No. 58 at 19-20.
7 2. Theft and Release of Pathogen by an Outsider
8 Plaintiffs allege that the analysis of a potential theft and subsequent release of
9 pathogens by a terrorist from outside LLNL should have been restricted to the impacts of
10 the BSL-3 facility in the context of the Livermore area. Pls.’ Mot. at 16. This claim lacks
11 merit. While NEPA regulations provide that site-specific actions generally are evaluated in
12 the context of the locale presented, see 40 C.F.R. § 1508.27(a), nothing in the regulations
13 proscribe the DOE’s discretion to apply a different scale of analysis, depending upon the
14 circumstances presented, see WildWest Inst. v. Bull, 547 F.3d 1162, 1173 (9th Cir. 2008)
15 (“Agencies have ‘discretion to determine the physical scope used for measuring
16 environmental impacts’ so long as they do not act arbitrarily and their ‘choice of analysis
17 scale . . . represent[s] a reasoned decision.”) (quoting in part Idaho Sporting Cong., Inc. v.
18 Rittenhouse, 305 F.3d 957, 973 (9th Cir. 2002)).
19 Here, the FREA notes that the type of pathogenic organisms to be studied at BSL-3
20 are widely available from similar labs around the United States and are otherwise readily
21 available to terrorists from a variety of sources. AR 122 at 61. In view of such availability,
22 the DOE concluded that the proposed facility was not an “attractive target” or otherwise
23 would have a significant impact on the status quo with respect to the availability of
24 biological agents to would-be terrorists. Id. Despite Plaintiffs’ suggestions to the contrary,
25 the DOE’s conclusion does not ignore the impact of a release in the Livermore locale, but
Case4:08-cv-01372-SBA Document87 Filed09/30/10 Page9 of 21
1 rather, simply considered the impact of the LLNL BSL-3 facility in relation to other
2 potential sources for an attack.5
3 3. Theft and Release by an LLNL Insider
4 Plaintiffs contend that the DOE failed to take a “hard look” at the impacts that may
5 result from the threat of the theft and subsequent release of pathogen by an “insider” with
6 access to the BSL-3 facility. Pls.’ Mot. at 17. In fact, the FREA did consider such a
7 possibility, but concluded that the risk of insider theft was marginal. AR 122 at 63-64. In
8 particular, the DOE noted that individuals with access to select agents must pass through
9 multiple screenings, including the Department of Justice Security Risk Assessment and
10 obtain authorization by United States Department of Health and Human Services and
11 register with the Center for Disease Control. Id. at 63. Moreover, LLNL maintains its own
12 Select Agent Human Reliability Program in which it selects, trains and monitors all
13 individuals whose work requires access to select agents. Id. The FREA also notes that the
14 likelihood of insider theft is lessened by the relatively few individuals who have access to
15 pathogens: generally less than ten individuals have access to select agents in the BSL-3
16 lab. Id. Given the human reliability programs, security procedures, and management
17 controls at the facility and the laboratory, it was reasonable for the DOE to conclude that
18 the theft of pathogenic materials by an insider from LLNL “is not expected to occur.” Id. at
20 The DOE’s conclusion that the threat of insider theft does not require an EIS is
21 further supported by DOE’s evaluation of the most reasonably foreseeable theft scenario.
22 In particular, the DOE reasoned that the most reasonably foreseeable scenario involved an
23 insider attempting to covertly remove a small sample of a pathogen that would require
24 additional growth and preparation prior to dispersal. Id. at C-24. This assumption is based
25 on the fact that direct removal of a large quantity of material would be quickly noticed, and
To the extent that conflicting views exist about the appropriate scale of analysis,
the DOE has discretion to rely on the reasonable opinions of its own qualified experts.
28 Marsh v. Oregon Natural Resources Council, 490 U.S. 360, 378 (1989).
Case4:08-cv-01372-SBA Document87 Filed09/30/10 Page10 of 21
1 because the LLNL BSL-3 does not contain large amounts of “ready-to-use aerosolized
2 pathogens,” but instead stores material in frozen 2 mL vials. Id. Given these
3 circumstances, the putative insider-thief would have to successfully culture, produce, store,
4 transport and disperse a pathogen all while maintaining its virulence. Id. at 61. The FREA
5 notes that “[a]ccomplishing these requirements was difficult even for long-term and well-
6 funded programs in the former Soviet Union and other state-run programs.” Id. at 62.
7 Thus, a theft event would be highly unlikely to result in any significant environmental
8 impact. The Court finds nothing arbitrary or capricious with respect to the DOE’s analysis
9 of threats posed by an LLNL insider.
10 4. Other Credible Terrorist Threats
11 Plaintiffs bring the entirely new claim that the FREA is deficient because it does not
12 discuss a series of other possible sabotage actions, including “damage to the facility’s
13 containment suite autoclaves, deliberate release of an infected animal, and deliberate self-
14 infection with the intent to spread the pathogenic material in the environment.” Pls.’ Mot.
15 at 18. Having failed to raise these alleged concerns during the public comment process on
16 the FREA, Plaintiffs have forfeited their right to pursue them in Court. See Dep’t of
17 Transp. v. Pub. Citizen, 541 U.S. 752, 764-65 (2004) (“Claims not properly raised before
18 an agency are waived, unless the problems underlying the claim are ‘obvious’ or otherwise
19 brought to the agency’s attention.”); North Idaho Comty. Action Network v. U.S. Dept. of
20 Transp., 545 F.3d 1147, 1156 (9th Cir. 2008) (“because the tunnel alternative was not
21 raised and identified until June 2006, well after the notice and comment periods for the
22 1999 EIS and the 2005 EA closed, any objection to the failure to consider that alternative
23 has been waived”).6
24 Even if the issue were properly before the Court, the record shows that the DOE did
25 not err in omitting discussion of such scenarios from the FREA. Undoubtedly, there are
26 limitless terrorist attack scenarios that could be imagined. But NEPA does not obligate an
6Plaintiffs claim that they did raise the issue during the public comment process, but
28 record does not support their assertion. See Pls.’ Reply at 4 n.1.
Case4:08-cv-01372-SBA Document87 Filed09/30/10 Page11 of 21
1 agency to consider “every alternative device and thought conceivable by the mind of man.”
2 Vermont Yankee v. NRDC, 435 U.S. 519, 551 (1978); see also Citizens for a Better
3 Henderson v. Hodel, 768 F.2d 1051, 1058 (9th Cir. 1985) (finding an agency need not
4 discuss “remote and highly speculative consequences”). In the instant case, the DOE has
5 proffered a reasoned analysis of terrorism that covers a reasonable range of threats. The
6 DOE’s exclusion of autoclave damage, release of an infected animal and deliberate self-
7 infection from the REA is supported by the Army’s BDRP EIS, which does identify all
8 three scenarios, but rejects the possibility that they pose any significant environmental risk.
9 AR 27 at A9-51-A9-53. This Court therefore rejects Plaintiffs’ claim that the FREA is
10 inadequate for failing to address other terrorist threats.
11 C. COUNT 2: FAILURE TO CONDUCT ENVIRONMENTAL ANALYSES IN GOOD
13 In their second claim for relief, Plaintiffs allege that the DOE failed to prepare the
14 FREA in “good faith” by failing to disclose information related to a 2005 anthrax shipping
15 incident. Pls.’ Mot. at 10-12; Am. Compl. ¶¶ 87-89. In 2005, a former LLNL employee
16 returned to the facility to package and ship anthrax vials to two offsite locations. ECF No.
17 58 at 37. Workers unpacking a shipment at one of the locations discovered that some of the
18 vials had leaked into the inner packaging of a secondary container, though no material had
19 leaked into the tertiary container. Id. The other recipient noted discrepancies between the
20 shipping inventory and the samples in the container. Id. Plaintiffs complain that the DOE
21 failed to disclose the anthrax shipping incident in the March 2007 DREA. Pls.’ Mot. at 10-
22 11. Though acknowledging that the subsequent January 2008 FREA provided additional
23 details concerning the incident, Plaintiffs argue that even then it failed to disclose numerous
24 regulatory violations that arose out of the incident and were related to the lab’s safety and
25 security. Id. These material omissions allegedly frustrated the public’s ability to comment
26 on the DREA. Id. at 11.
27 An EA should be a “concise public document” that serves to “[b]riefly provide
28 sufficient evidence and analysis for determining whether to prepare an environmental
Case4:08-cv-01372-SBA Document87 Filed09/30/10 Page12 of 21
1 impact statement of finding of no significant impact.” 40 C.F.R. § 1508.9(a). “NEPA
2 requires not that an agency engage in the most exhaustive environmental analysis
3 theoretically possible, but that it take a ‘hard look’ at relevant factors.” Northwest Envtl.
4 Advocates v. Nat’l Marine Fisheries Serv., 460 F.3d 1125, 1139 (9th Cir. 2006). The “hard
5 look” required by NEPA “must be timely, and it must be taken objectively and in good
6 faith, not as an exercise in form over substance, and not as a subterfuge designed to
7 rationalize a decision already made.” Metcalf, 214 F.3d at 1142. If an EA was not
8 conducted in good faith, its factual conclusions are deemed “arbitrary.” Surfrider Found. v.
9 Dalton, 989 F. Supp. 1309, 1320 (S.D. Cal. 1998). Where information is “so incomplete or
10 misleading” as to corrupt the decision-making process, revision may be necessary to
11 “provide a reasonable, good faith, and objective presentation of the subjects required by
12 NEPA.” Animal Def. Council v. Hodel, 840 F.2d 1432, 1439 (9th Cir. 1988) (internal
13 citations omitted). However, absent evidence to the contrary, it is presumed that
14 government agencies “act properly and according to law.” FCC v. Schreiber, 381 U.S. 279,
15 296 (1965).
16 In the instant case, the Court finds that Plaintiffs’ claims of bad faith fail to
17 overcome the presumption that the DOE comported itself appropriately. The mere fact the
18 DOE possessed certain information that was not included in an EA does not ipso facto
19 establish bad faith. Rather, as explained in the declaration of Samuel D. Brinker, the DOE
20 staff member who supervised and coordinated the preparation of the Revised EAs, the DOE
21 determined that the inclusion of the additional information regarding the 2005 shipping
22 incident was unnecessary because “the circumstances leading up to it did not add
23 significant information regarding potential environmental impacts relating to transportation
24 activities associated with the operation of the BSL-3 Lab or challenge the conclusions of
25 the document regarding transportation activities.” Brinker Decl. ¶ 6, ECF No. 78-4. In
26 reaching this conclusion, Mr. Brinker relied on data from the large number of research
27 facilities which generate and ship infectious materials showing that the risk to the public
28 was low, and that the consequences of such an accident would be minor. Id. ¶ 7. In
Case4:08-cv-01372-SBA Document87 Filed09/30/10 Page13 of 21
1 addition, he noted that the anthrax shipping incident did not involve a release of dangerous
2 materials, and that the failure to disclose that anthrax was involved was due to DOE
3 classification guidelines, as opposed to an intent to withhold information from the public.
4 Id. ¶¶ 8-9.
5 Plaintiffs contend that judicial review is circumscribed by the administrative record,
6 and therefore, the Court should disregard Mr. Brinker’s declaration. Pls.’ Opp’n at 16. As
7 a general matter, Plaintiffs are correct that judicial review of final agency action is typically
8 limited to “the administrative record in existence at the time of the decision.” Southwest
9 Ctr. for Biological Diversity v. U.S. Forest Serv., 100 F.3d 1443, 1450 (9th Cir. 1996). At
10 the same time, such review may be expanded beyond the record “if necessary to explain
11 agency decisions.” Id. (internal citations omitted). Thus, “[e]xtra-record documents may
12 also be admitted when plaintiffs make a showing of agency bad faith.” Id. (internal
13 quotations and citation omitted); Nat’l Audobon Soc. v. U.S. Forest Serv., 46 F.3d 1437,
14 1447 (9th Cir. 1993) (permitting extra-record documents in NEPA cases where the plaintiff
15 alleges that an EA or EIS has “neglected to mention a serious environmental consequence,
16 failed adequately to discuss some reasonable alternative, or otherwise swept stubborn
17 problems or serious criticism under the rug”). In this case, where it is alleged that the DOE
18 purposefully excluded the shipping incident from the EA, the Court must look beyond the
19 record to determine whether the agency ignored relevant information. Without extra-record
20 explanation, the DOE has no effective means of responding to this allegation, as an EA
21 cannot reasonably be expected to expound on the reasons behind its omissions. Further,
22 where Plaintiffs directly challenge the good faith of the decision-makers, the record should
Case4:08-cv-01372-SBA Document87 Filed09/30/10 Page14 of 21
1 be expanded to illuminate the decision-making process. Based on the allegations made by
2 Plaintiffs, the Court finds that consideration of Mr. Brinker’s declaration is appropriate.7
3 Finally, the Court is unpersuaded by Plaintiffs’ allegations that DOE’s failure to
4 disclose information regarding the “restricted experiments” that were conducted at LLNL
5 in violation of certain regulations. Pls.’ Mot. at 11 (citing AR 125, 145). In August 2005,
6 Center for Disease Control (“CDC”) inspectors discovered an unapproved experiment that
7 produced an antibiotic resistant strain of Yersinia pestis (Plague) at the BSL-3 facility. Id.
8 The CDC demanded LLNL destroy the samples as a condition for retaining the lab’s
9 certificate of registration. Id. This claim is not alleged in the Amended Complaint, and
10 therefore, is not properly before the Court. See Pickern v. Pier 1 Imps. (U.S.), Inc., 457
11 F.3d 963, 968-69 (9th Cir. 2006) (refusing to allow the plaintiff to assert new specific
12 factual allegations in support of a claim when they were “presented for the first time in [the
13 plaintiff’s] opposition to summary judgment”); Wasco Prods., Inc. v. Southwall Techs.,
14 Inc., 435 F.3d 989, 992 (9th Cir. 2006) (“Simply put, summary judgment is not a
15 procedural second chance to flesh out inadequate pleadings.”) (internal quotation marks
16 omitted).
17 Although Plaintiffs concede that “the complaint does not include facts concerning
18 LLNL’s restricted experiments,” they assert that the Court may properly grant summary
19 judgment in their favor on this unpled claim because the experiment is referenced in Counts
20 2 and 4. Pls.’ Reply at 6. This contention is uncompelling. As the Supreme Court has
21 made clear, the pleadings must “give the defendant fair notice of what . . . the claim is and
22 the grounds upon which it rests.” Erickson v. Pardus, 551 U.S. 89, 93 (2007) (internal
24 7 Alternatively, Plaintiffs assert that Mr. Brinker’s declaration lacks foundation and
that he lacks competence to opine on the factual bases for the DOE’s actions with respect to
25 the DREA. Pls.’ Opp’n at 17-18. However, Mr. Brinker states that he was responsible for
determining the level of detail regarding the shipping incident that should be included in the
26 DREA. Brinker Decl. ¶ 4. Plaintiffs also seem to suggest that Mr. Brinker was unqualified
to ascertain what information should or need not be included in the Draft EA. Pls.’ Opp’n
27 at 17-18. However, even if Mr. Brinker were unqualified (which Plaintiffs have not
established), Plaintiffs fail to cite any authority to support the conclusion that such actions
28 amount to “bad faith” in preparation of an EA.
Case4:08-cv-01372-SBA Document87 Filed09/30/10 Page15 of 21
1 quotation marks omitted). Plaintiffs’ reference to the restricted experiments in other parts
2 of the Amended Complaint does not afford the DOE fair notice that Plaintiff’s “bad faith”
3 claim is predicated upon the non-disclosure of such information. In sum, the Court finds
4 Plaintiffs have failed to raise a genuine issue as to any material fact and Defendants are
5 entitled to judgment as a matter of law.
6 D. COUNT 3: FAILURE TO PREPARE AN EIS
7 Count 3 of Plaintiffs’ Amended Complaint alleges that DOE violated NEPA by
8 failing to prepare a comprehensive EIS. Am. Compl. ¶¶ 91, 92. Under NEPA, an EIS need
9 not be prepared for every major federal action. Ocean Advocates v. U.S. Army Corps of
10 Eng’rs, 402 F.3d 846, 864 (9th Cir. 2005). Rather, an EIS is necessary only for such
11 actions “significantly affecting the quality of the human environment.” 42 U.S.C.
12 § 4332(2)(C) (emphasis added). “Significantly” as used in §4332(2)(C), is defined by two
13 components: context and intensity. Ocean Advocates, 402 F.3d at 865 (citing 40 C.F.R. §
14 1508.27). “Context” refers to the setting in which a proposed action will take place. 40
15 C.F.R. § 1508.27(a). “Intensity” refers to the severity of the action’s impact, and is
16 analyzed in connection with ten specified factors. Id., § 1508.27(b). To challenge an
17 agency’s decision not to prepare an EIS, a plaintiff must raise substantial questions as to
18 whether a project may have significant effects. Ocean Advocates, 402 F.3d at 865.
19 In their motion for summary judgment, Plaintiffs make a one-sentence long
20 argument that an EIS is required under 40 C.F.R. § 1508.27. Pls.’ Mot. at 19.8 Other than
21 citing the foregoing regulation, Plaintiffs fail to present any argument or decisional
22 authority to support their contention. As such, Plaintiffs have waived their ability to seek
23 summary judgment or oppose Defendants’ summary judgment motion as to Count 3.
Likewise, in their opposition to Defendants’ summary judgment motion Plaintiffs
25 make no effort to respond to Defendants’ arguments as to this claim. See Defs.’ Mot. at 15-
17. In their reply brief, Plaintiffs make a belated attempt to salvage their claim that
26 Defendants should have prepared an EIR. Pls.’ Reply at 10. However, a “district court
need not consider arguments raised for the first time in a reply brief.” Zamani v. Carnes,
27 491 F.3d 990, 997 (9th Cir. 2007); Dream Games of Ariz., Inc. v. PC Onsite, 561 F.3d 983,
995 (9th Cir. 2009) (Arguments that are “not specifically and distinctly argued in [the]
28 opening brief” are waived) (internal quotation marks and citations omitted).
Case4:08-cv-01372-SBA Document87 Filed09/30/10 Page16 of 21
1 See FDIC v. Garner, 126 F.3d 1138, 1145 (9th Cir. 1997) (arguments are waived when no
2 case law or argument in support of the contention is presented). Waiver notwithstanding,
3 the Court finds no substantive merit to Plaintiffs’ claim. The record confirms that the DOE
4 appropriately considered the potential effect of the BSL-3 facility on public health and
5 safety. See AR 122 at 41-42. Moreover, the Court extensively considered this claim in
6 connection with Plaintiffs’ motion for preliminary injunction, and concluded that they had
7 little likelihood of success. ECF No. 58 at 34. Plaintiffs have offered no argument or
8 evidence to persuade the Court to the contrary. Accordingly, summary judgment on Count
9 3 is granted in favor of Defendants.
10 E. COUNT 4: FAILURE TO SUPPLEMENT THE FREA
11 “[A] federal agency has a continuing duty to gather and evaluate new information
12 relevant to the environmental impact of its actions.” Warm Springs Dam Task Force v.
13 Gribble, 621 F.2d 1017, 1023 (9th Cir. 1980). Supplementation is required if there are
14 “significant new circumstances or information relevant to environmental concerns and
15 bearing on the proposed action or its impacts.” 40 C.F.R. § 1502.9(c)(1)(ii). But,
16 supplementation is not required “every time new information comes to light after the EIS is
17 finalized.” Marsh, 490 U.S. at 373 (footnote omitted). “[T]he decision whether to prepare
18 a supplemental EIS is similar to the decision whether to prepare an EIS in the first
19 instance.” Id. at 374.
20 Here, Plaintiffs briefly allege that the DOE should have supplemented the FREA
21 issued in January 2008 with “new information” regarding the 2005 anthrax shipping
22 incident. Pls.’ Mot. at 12-13; Am. Compl. ¶ 94. With respect to the shipping incident, it
23 occurred almost three years prior to the issuance of the FREA. As such, it is questionable
24 whether the shipping incident constitutes new information. In addition, as set forth above,
25 the DOE’s decision regarding the handling of information regarding the shipping incident
26 was reasonable and justified. Under the circumstances presented, the DOE’s decision not
27 to supplement the FREA has not been shown by Plaintiffs to be a “clear error of judgment.”
28 See Marsh, 490 U.S. at 378.
Case4:08-cv-01372-SBA Document87 Filed09/30/10 Page17 of 21
1 Plaintiffs also assert that the DOE violated NEPA by failing to prepare a supplement
2 to the FREA analyzing the results of the HSS inspections in March and April 2008. Pls.’
3 Mot. at 13. In those inspections, HHS evaluated LLNL in various protection-related areas,
4 such as personnel and physical security. AR 154, 158. HHS’s Security Assessment
5 following those inspections gave LLNL the lowest rating of “Significant Weaknesses.” AR
6 154. According to Plaintiffs, the deficiencies noted by the HHS in its report “bear upon the
7 environmental impacts that may result from the operation of the facility.” Pls.’ Mot. at 13.
8 In advancing this argument, however, Plaintiffs overlook the fact that upon reviewing the
9 report, the DOE concluded that did it not constitute “new information or changed
10 circumstances such that a supplemental EA or an Environmental Impact Statement (‘EIS’)
11 should be prepared for the LLNL BSL-3 facility.” AR 154.
12 In reaching its decision not to supplement, Defendants explained that their analysis
13 in the FREA relied upon three possible scenarios for terrorist attack: (1) an attack resulting
14 in facility damage and loss of containment; (2) a theft of pathogenic agent by a terrorist
15 from outside LLNL; and (3) a theft of pathogenic agent by a terrorist from inside LLNL.
16 Id. at 1-4. Defendants reviewed the analysis underlying each scenario and determined none
17 were undermined by the findings of the HHS report, and that the report did not conclude
18 that LLNL was unable to provide the requisite security for a BSL-3 facility. Id. at 3-4.
19 Notably, Plaintiffs do not contend that Defendants’ review of the HHS Security Assessment
20 was in any way arbitrary or capricious.9
21 Even if Defendants had a legal obligation to supplement the FREA, the remedy
22 sought by Plaintiffs, i.e., halting operation of the BSL-3 facility pending Defendants’
23 compliance with NEPA, is inappropriate. A plaintiff seeking a permanent injunction must
24 satisfy a four-factor test by demonstrating: (1) that it has suffered an irreparable injury;
25 (2) that remedies available at law, such as monetary damages, are inadequate to compensate
Moreover, a more recent HHS report from April 2009 notes that LLNL has since
implemented corrective actions and made “significant progress” with respect to the
28 deficiencies identified in the 2008 Security Assessment. AR 163 at 2.
Case4:08-cv-01372-SBA Document87 Filed09/30/10 Page18 of 21
1 for that injury; (3) that, considering the balance of hardships between the plaintiff and
2 defendant, a remedy in equity is warranted; and (4) that the public interest would not be
3 disserved by a permanent injunction. eBay Inc. v. MercExch., L.L.C., 547 U.S. 388, 391
4 (2006); Am.-Arab Anti-Discrimination Comm. v. Reno, 70 F.3d 1045, 1066-67 (9th Cir.
5 1995) (“The requirements for the issuance of a permanent injunction are the likelihood of
6 substantial and immediate irreparable injury and the inadequacy of remedies at law.”). In
7 addition, in seeking prospective injunctive relief, plaintiff must allege facts that if proven
8 would establish that he is likely to suffer future injury if defendant is not so enjoined. See
9 Hodgers-Durgin v. De La Vina, 199 F.3d 1037, 1042 (9th Cir. 1999).
10 Here, Plaintiffs have failed to make any showing of irreparable harm from the
11 continued operation of the LLNL BSL-3 lab. Moreover, Plaintiffs have cited no legal
12 authority to establish that enjoining the operation of a federal activity authorized by an
13 existing NEPA document is either necessary or authorized while the agency considers new
14 information or is in the process of preparing supplemental documentation under NEPA.
15 See ONRC Action v. Bureau of Land Mgmt., 150 F.3d 1132, 1140 (9th Cir. 1998) (holding
16 that the Bureau of Land Management was not required to halt operations under existing
17 NEPA and program plans pending preparation of new environmental analysis). While
18 there certainly may be situations where such relief may be warranted, Plaintiffs have made
19 no showing that this is such a case.10
20 F. COUNT 5: FAILURE TO COMPLY WITH APPLICABLE REGULATIONS
21 Finally, Plaintiffs allege that the DOE improperly failed to circulate the Revised
22 FONSI for public comment. Am. Compl. ¶ 97. Under NEPA regulations, “DOE shall
23 issue a proposed FONSI for public review and comment before making a final
24 determination on the FONSI if required by 40 CFR 1501.4(e)(2) . . . .” 10 C.F.R.
25 § 1021.322(d). A FONSI must be circulated in two “limited circumstances”—namely
26 where (1) “[t]he proposed action is, or is closely similar to, one which normally requires the
The Court’s conclusion with regard to Plaintiffs’ request to enjoin operation of the
28 BSL-3 facility applies equally to all of the claims alleged in the Amended Complaint.
Case4:08-cv-01372-SBA Document87 Filed09/30/10 Page19 of 21
1 preparation of an environmental impact statement” or (2) “[t]he nature of the proposed
2 action is one without precedent.” 40 C.F.R. § 1501.4(e)(2). Plaintiffs rely on the latter
3 circumstance.
4 Plaintiffs allege that the proposed action, the operation of a BSL-3 lab at LLNL, is
5 “without precedent” because the DOE only previously operated laboratories at or below
6 BSL-2. Am. Compl. ¶ 80. However, whether a proposed action is “without precedent”
7 within the meaning of § 1501.4(e)(2)(ii) depends on the nature of the action’s
8 environmental impact, not the identity of the acting agency. Alliance to Protect Nantucket
9 Sound, Inc. v. U.S. Dep’t of Army, 398 F.3d 105, 115-116 (1st Cir. 2005). Thus, the type
10 of laboratories the DOE has operated is inapposite. In addition, as Defendants point out,
11 there are 1,350 BSL-3 laboratories operating in the United States, AR 122 at 59, and the
12 environmental impacts of such facilities have been established. Defs.’ Mot. at 20. There is
13 no indication in the record that any meaningful difference between the environmental
14 impacts attendant to LLNL’s BSL-3 facility and other BSL-3 faciltiies. E.g., Hofherr Decl.
15 ¶ 9 (noting that select agents used at the LLNL BSL-3 facility are no different “in kind or
16 concentration” than those used at other BSL-3 facilities located throughout the San
17 Francisco Bay Area).
18 Citing Forty Most Asked Questions Concerning CEQ’s National Environmental
19 Policy Act Regulations, 46 FR 18026, 18036 (1981), Plaintiffs assert that a FONSI should
20 be circulated when a proposed action is a “borderline” case for which a reasonable
21 argument can be made for preparation of an EIS. Pls.’ Opp’n at 19 n.12. In particular,
22 Plaintiffs argue that the proposed action is a “borderline case” ostensibly because the Ninth
23 Circuit “contemplated” the necessity of an EIS when it remanded the case for consideration
24 of potential terrorist threats. Pls.’ Opp’n at 19. Plaintiffs read too much into the appellate
25 court’s decision. In its memorandum decision, the Ninth Circuit stated that: “With the
26 exception of the lack of analysis concerning the possibility of a terrorist attack, we hold that
27 the DOE did take a ‘hard look’ at the identified environmental concerns and that the DOE’s
28 decision was ‘fully informed and well-considered.’” Tri-Valley Cares, 2006 WL 2971561,
Case4:08-cv-01372-SBA Document87 Filed09/30/10 Page20 of 21
1 at *1 (emphasis added) (citations omitted). While the court of appeal required Defendants
2 to consider the threat of terrorist activity in a revised EA, it did not raise concerns about the
3 other conclusions reached by the DOE.
4 Plaintiffs also posit that this is “an unusual case” because the BSL-3 laboratory is
5 located inside the gates of a DOE nuclear weapons research laboratory, and is the first
6 BSL-3 facility “managed by the DOE.” Pls.’ Opp’n at 20. This argument is little more than
7 a variation of its prior, uncompelling assertion that the proposed action is “without
8 precedent.” As noted, the identity of the operating agency has no bearing on the
9 environmental impact of the proposed action. Likewise, the laboratory’s location within a
10 larger research facility does not alter its environmental impact. While there may be
11 environmental factors unique to a specific location that may have some bearing on a
12 proposed action’s environmental impact, those salient factors were considered in the
13 FREA. AR 122 at 28-36. At bottom, Plaintiffs have failed to demonstrate that the LLNL
14 BSL-3 facility is “without precedent.” As such, this Court finds that the DOE did not act
15 arbitrarily or capriciously in issuing the FONSI without public comment.
16 G. PLAINTIFF’S MOTION FOR LEAVE TO FILE MOTION TO AUGMENT
DEFENDANTS’ ADMINISTRATIVE RECORD
18 Well after the close of briefing on the parties’ cross-motions for summary judgment,
19 Plaintiffs filed a Motion for Leave to File Motion to Augment Defendants’ Administrative
20 Record. ECF No. 85. Plaintiffs seek to have a report from the National Academy of
21 Sciences (“NAS”), entitled Evaluation of the Health and Safety Risks of the New
22 USAMRIID High Containment Facilities at Fort Detrick, Maryland, ostensibly to show that
23 the DOE utilized an inadequate accident scenarios in the FREA. ECF No. 85-2 at 2.
24 Plaintiffs’ motion is procedurally and substantively inappropriate.
25 As an initial matter, Plaintiffs failed to comply with Civil Local Rule 7-11(a), which
26 requires that any motion for administrative relief include a stipulation or declaration
27 explaining why a stipulation could not be obtained. Failure to comply with the Court’s
28 local rules provides grounds for rejecting Plaintiffs’ motion. See Grove v. Wells Fargo Fin.
Case4:08-cv-01372-SBA Document87 Filed09/30/10 Page21 of 21
1 Cal., Inc., 606 F.3d 577, 582 (9th Cir. 2010) (upholding district court’s denial of motion to
2 tax costs which was not in compliance with the court’s local rules); see also Civ. L.R. 1-4
3 (authorizing imposition of sanctions for failure to comply with local rules).
4 Even if Plaintiffs’ motion were properly before the Court, Plaintiffs have failed to
5 demonstrate that the proposed augmentation is warranted. As discussed above, except in
6 limited circumstances, the general rule is that a court’s review of an agency’s compliance
7 with NEPA is limited to the administrative record. See Friends of the Earth v. Hintz, 800
8 F.2d 822, 829 (9th Cir. 1986). Here, Plaintiffs contend that augmentation should be
9 permitted “in order to ascertain whether the agency considered all relevant factors or fully
10 explicated its course of conduct or grounds for decision.” Pls.’ Mot. to Augment at 3-4
11 (quoting Asarco v. EPA, 616 F.2d 1153, 1160 (9th Cir. 1980)), ECF No. 85-2. However,
12 this exception “only applies to information available at the time, not post-decisional
13 information.” Rock Creek Alliance v. U.S. Fish & Wildlife Serv., 390 F. Supp.2d 993,
14 1002 (D. Mont. 2005). Since the NAS report is post-decisional information, the exception
15 upon which Plaintiffs rely is unavailable. But even if it were, the new report would not
16 alter the Court’s analysis, since the information contained therein in insufficient to establish
17 that the DOE violated NEPA.
18 IV. CONCLUSION
19 For the reasons set forth above,
20 IT IS HEREBY ORDERED THAT:
21 1. Defendants’ motion for summary judgment is GRANTED and Plaintiffs’
22 motion for summary judgment is DENIED.
23 2. Plaintiffs’ Motion for Leave to File Motion to Augment Defendants’
24 Administrative Record is DENIED.
25 3. The Clerk shall close the file and terminate any pending docket matters.
27 Dated: September 30, 2010 _______________________________
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