EIS-0113_Section_11 - Hanford Site

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PREFACE -
This report provides review comments and questions related to the DEIS
entitled a i of r f i h: T n r f Wastes.
As in any report : which is focused on oncerthinh es. or an conclusions which
are subject to dispute, the report may appear to emphasize the negative -
aspects of the DEIS. Questions are not asked, nor comments made, about
areas with which we are in complete agreement.
The DEIS is an. extensive document providing great detail about some
very complex topics. It is obvious that it is tde product of a great deal
of work. It is not surprising that q uestions woula arise over methodology or
results in such a technical area. It is ho ped that. clarification by DUE of
the questions raised here will enhance the value of a very important
document.
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.While most environmental impact statements discuss the potential
environmental here which could occur from a.preposec Project and discuss
methods to nimize impacts. the defense waste protect is different. A
,,elect sponsor. usually seeks to receive authorization for a project from
permitting authorities who generally choose between denying the project,
thereby avoiding impacts, or authorizing it with acceptable impacts. The
authorities generally have the choice of denying a project one. avoids ng most
impacts.
Host defense-waste Dis posal at Hanford, however, has alreadyoccurred,
and this EIS is intended to. discuss the best methods of cleanup and - —a•
environmental p rotection far an action that has already happened. Thus, the !Z
choice Divan here to decisionmakers is ict,lly . easier. All alternatives (D
proposed by USDOE improve the environment at Hanford over • no action" and
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any uncertainty discussed hereinreflects. v
mainly on the degree of - f+
environmental improvement, not de gradation.. The uncertainties raised in
this review affect the amount cfenvironmental improvement possible,. not —h
whether environmental improvement willoccur.
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DISCLAIMER
The product of this work effort is to be used by the State of Washington
solely in the preparation of a comment letter to the U.S. Department of
Energy (DDE) regarding the DEIS on Disposal of Hanford Defense Nigh-Level,
Transuranic and Tank Wastes. The n,.d.ct of this work effort is not
intended to be used in any other way. URS Corporation assumes no liability
for use by others.