DOE/NNSA NEWS RELEASE
The National Nuclear Security Administration (NNSA) is proposing new construction and upgrade activities in lower Sandia Canyon at Technical Area (TA) 72 at the Outdoor Live Fire Range facility at Los Alamos National Laboratory (LANL).
The proposed upgrades are to improve range safety to help fulfill the mission requirements of maintaining a trained and qualified armed Protective Force. The project activities within the 100-year floodplain include: 1) installation of eight permanent flagpoles, 2) installation of weatherproof electronic range status board, 3) removal of a backstop berm on a decommissioned range, and 4) removing and replacing storage structures.
NNSA has prepared this floodplain assessment in accordance with 10 Code of Federal Regulations (CFR) Part 1022 Compliance with Floodplain and Wetland Environmental Review Requirements (10 CFR Part 1022) (CFR 2003) which was promulgated to implement DOE requirements under Executive Order 11988 Floodplain Management (EO 1977). A floodplain is defined in 10 CFR 1022 as “the lowlands adjoining inland and coastal waters and relatively flat areas and flood prone areas of offshore islands,” and a base floodplain as “the 100-year floodplain, that is, a floodplain with a 1.0 percent chance of flooding in any given year (CFR 2003).” This floodplain assessment evaluates potential impacts to floodplain values and functions from implementation of the proposed action, identifies alternatives to the Proposed Action, and allows for meaningful public comment. The document is available at https://www.energy.gov/nepa/articles/los-alamos-national-laboratory-floodplain-assessment-technical-area-72-outdoor-live
DOE/NNSA has published this Floodplain Assessment for a 15-day public review and comment period. Please provide comments to Kristen Dors at:
Email: kristen.dors@nnsa.doe.gov
or
Mail: U.S. Department of Energy
Los Alamos Field Office
ATTN: Kristen Dors
3747 West Jemez Road
Los Alamos, NM 87544
After the close of the public comment period and prior to issuing a floodplain statement of findings DOE/NNSA will reevaluate the practicability of alternatives to the proposed floodplain action, mitigating measures and take into account all substantive comments received during the public comment period. DOE/NNSA will endeavor to allow 15 days of public review prior to implementing the proposed action.