DOE/ORO/2327 Oak Ridge Reservation Annual Site Environmental ...

Oak Ridge Reservation
4.3 Compliance Status
4.3.1 Environmental Permits
Table 4.3 notes environmental permits in force at Y-12 during 2009. More detailed information can
be found within the following sections.
4.3.2 NEPA/NHPA Assessments
NNSA adheres to the National Environmental Policy Act (NEPA) regulations, which require federal
agencies to evaluate the effects of proposed major federal activities on the environment. The prescribed
evaluation process ensures that the proper level of environmental review is performed before an
irreversible commitment of resources is made.
During 2009, environmental evaluations were completed for 28 proposed actions, all of which were
determined to be covered by a categorical exclusion (CX).
4.3.2.1 Site-Wide Environmental Impact Statement (SWEIS) for Y-12 Complex
The NEPA implementing procedures, 10 CFR 1021 (DOE 1996), require a 5-year evaluation of the
current Y-12 Complex site-wide environmental impact statement (SWEIS). A new SWEIS is being
prepared to evaluate the new modernization proposals and to update the analyses presented in the original
Y-12 SWEIS (issued in November 2001). The notice of intent was published in the Federal Register on
November 28, 2006, and a public scoping meeting was held December 15, 2006, in Oak Ridge.
The draft SWEIS was issued in October 2009 (NNSA 2009) and a notice of availability was
published in the Federal Register on October 30, 2009. Two public hearings for the draft SWEIS were
held on November 17 and 18, 2009. These hearings allowed members of the public to provide comments
on the draft SWEIS. The meetings were attended by approximately 350 members of the public. The
public comment period for the draft SWEIS ends on January 29, 2010. Once all comments are received
the final SWEIS will be published and the SWEIS ROD will be issued.
4.3.2.2 Preserving Y-12’s History for Future Generations
In accordance with the National Historic Preservation Act (NHPA), NNSA is committed to
identifying, preserving, enhancing, and protecting its cultural resources. The compliance activities in 2009
included completing an NHPA Section 106 review on 28 proposed projects, and participating in various
outreach projects with local organizations and schools.
Twenty-eight proposed projects were evaluated to determine whether any historic properties eligible
for inclusion in the National Register of Historic Places would be adversely impacted. Of the 28 proposed
projects, it was determined that there were no adverse effects on historic properties eligible for listing in
the National Register and that no further Section 106 documentation was required.
The Y-12 Oral History Program and Knowledge Preservation Program continue with ongoing efforts
to conduct oral interviews of current and former employees to document the knowledge and experience of
those who worked at the Y-12 Complex during World War II and the Cold War era. The interviews
provided information on day-to-day operations of the Y-12 Complex, the use and operation of significant
components and machinery, and how technological innovations occurred over time. Some of the
information collected from the interviews may be used in various media to include DVDs shown in the
Y-12 History Exhibit Hall.
The Exhibit Hall, located in The New Hope Center, continues to be a work in progress featuring new
artifacts, photographs, and pop-up signs. The Exhibit Hall, renamed “The Y-12 History Center,” displays
exhibits, photographs, artifacts, brochures, DVDs, and other information associated with the history of
Y-12 and the New Hope Community. The Exhibit Hall is open to the public Monday through Thursday
from 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. and on Fridays by special request. A selection of materials, including DVDs,
books, pamphlets, and fact sheets, is available free to the public. Tours of the Exhibit Hall were
conducted for various organizations, local schools, and VIP visitors.
4-20 The Y-12 National Security Complex