Environment

NNSA Conducts Aerial Radiation Assessment Survey

Submitted by Chris Clark on July 24, 2017
NNSA News:
 
WASHINGTON, D.C. ― The U.S. Department of Energy’s National Nuclear Security Administration’s (DOE/NNSA) conducted a low-altitude helicopter flight over portions of the Arlington, Va., area July 22 to measure naturally occurring background radiation.
 
Officials from NNSA announced that the radiation assessment covers approximately three square miles. A twin-engine Bell 412 helicopter, operated by the Remote Sensing Laboratory Aerial Measuring System from Joint Base Andrews, was equipped with radiation sensing technology.
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Public Notice: Class 3 Permit Modification Request And Public Meeting, Settlement Agreement 10-01251

Submitted by Carol A. Clark on July 24, 2017

Public Notice:

Class 3 Permit Modification Request and Public Meeting, Settlement Agreement 10-01251

Los Alamos National Laboratory Hazardous Waste Facility Permit, EPA ID No. NM0890010515

Activity: The U.S. Department of Energy (DOE) and the Los Alamos National Security, LLC (LANS), have submitted a Class 3 permit modification request to modify the Los Alamos National Laboratory (LANL) Hazardous Waste Facility Permit. The modification revises the Permit to incorporate changes agreed upon by the April 21, 2017 Settlement Agreement, resolving a permit appeal filed in the United States Read More

NOAA’s Climate.Gov: Natural Wetlands, Tropical Agriculture Cause Methane Increases, Not Oil And Gas

Submitted by Chris Clark on July 24, 2017
Courtesy/NOAA
 
NOAA News:
 
“Agricultural and wetland emissions” from the planet’s tropical areas, not oil and gas activities in the United States, are more than likely responsible for a post-2007 global increase in methane levels, according to the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration’s Climate.gov.
 
But regulating or mitigating those methane sources could be difficult or impossible.
 
“Both of the likely contenders for the recent increase in emissions could be tricky to mitigate,” wrote Climate.gov’s Rebecca Lindsey and Michon Scott. “In
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Bear Spotted Relaxing In Los Alamos Neighborhood

Submitted by Carol A. Clark on July 23, 2017

This bear spotted Wednesday relaxing in the grass at a residence in the Chamisa Street area is the same bear that tore apart a suet feeder last month in that same neighborhood. Photo by Don DuBois Read More

SFNF Update: Peggy Fire On Jemez Ranger District

Submitted by Carol A. Clark on July 23, 2017

SFNF News:

Here is the latest update on the Peggy Fire burning on the Peggy Mesa, approximately two miles northwest of the Gilman Tunnels on the Jemez Ranger District of the Santa Fe National Forest:

Start Date: July 18, 2017

Cause: Lightning struck a single standing dead tree. The fire subsequently spread into surrounding dead and down timber and brush.

Size: 147 acres

Location: Peggy Mesa, approximately 2 miles northwest of the Gilman Tunnels on the Jemez Ranger District of the Santa Fe National Forest

Vegetation: Piñon pines, juniper, ponderosa pine and oak scrub brush

Current Situation: Read More

Scenes From Valles Caldera Birthday Bash Saturday

Submitted by Carol A. Clark on July 23, 2017

 The Valles Caldera National Preserve wore all her finery for her Birthday Bash Saturday. The Preserve celebrated its 17th birthday and 10-year partnership with Los Amigos de Valles Caldera, the preserve’s official friends group. Photo by Maire O’Neill/ladailypost.com

A volunteer from Hawks Aloft holds a Western screech owl at Saturday’s Valles Caldera Birthday Bash. Photo by Maire O’Neill/ladailypost.com

Board members of Los Amigos de Valles Caldera gather for Saturday’s ribbon cutting for their new store. From left, Valles Caldera Preserve Read More

NNSA Spearheads International Effort To Convert Ghana Reactor To Low Enriched Uranium Fuel

Submitted by Carol A. Clark on July 23, 2017
NNSA in Washington, D.C. Courtesy/NNSA
 
NNSA News:
 
WASHINGTON, D.C. ― A team of experts from the U.S. Department of Energy’s National Nuclear Security Administration, the International Atomic Energy Agency, China and Ghana completed the conversion of Ghana’s GHARR-1 Miniature Neutron Source Reactor from highly enriched uranium to low enriched uranium fuel July 13.
 
These reactor conversions allow important research to continue while enabling the removal and disposal of HEU fuel, eliminating the risk that this weapons-usable material could be stolen
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DOE Renews WIPP CSG Cooperative Agreement

Submitted by Carol A. Clark on July 23, 2017
DOE News:
 
CARLSBAD ― The Department of Energy’s Carlsbad Field Office renewed a cooperative agreement with the Council of State Governments (CSG) – Midwestern Region for oversight of transportation of transuranic waste through Midwestern states to the Waste Isolation Pilot Plant (WIPP).
 
The cooperative agreement is for five-years with an estimated cost of approximately $1.4 million.
 
Through the cooperative agreement DOE provides funding to the CSG- Midwestern Region to address issues of common concern among the Midwestern states to
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Opera And Rainbows

Submitted by Carol A. Clark on July 22, 2017

A pre-opera shower and rainbow show delighted patrons Friday evening before the performance of Lucia de Lammermoor. Photo by Nancy Ann Hibbs Read More

Pearce Votes To Advance Energy Infrastructure

Submitted by Carol A. Clark on July 22, 2017
U.S. Rep. Steve Pearce
 
U.S. CONGRESSIONAL News:
 
WASHINGTON, D.C. ― The U.S. House of Representatives passed two key bills July 19 to modernize U.S. energy infrastructure.
 
“New Mexico is a national leader in resource production and a key player in the transportation of energy resources across the southern border. By simplifying regulations on energy infrastructure projects and putting sound provisions in place that promote efficiency and transparency, our communities will have greater opportunities for economic expansion,” U.S. Rep. Steve Pearce said.
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Udall Advances Strong Funding For New Mexico’s National Laboratories, Water Infrastructure

Submitted by Carol A. Clark on July 21, 2017
U.S. Sen. Tom Udall

From the Office of U.S. Sen. Tom Udall:

  • Udall joins Appropriations Committee in approving $38.4 billion funding bill to support national labs, tech transfer, cleanup, WIPP and water projects throughout New Mexico
WASHINGTON, D.C. — Today, U.S. Sen. Tom Udall, senior member of the Senate Appropriations Committee, announced that the committee has advanced legislation providing strong fiscal year 2018 funding for New Mexico’s national labs, cleanup projects and technology transfer, the Waste Isolation Pilot Program (WIPP), and water infrastructure projects throughout
Read More

LANL: Frontiers In Science Explores Space Weather

Submitted by Carol A. Clark on July 21, 2017

Geoff Reeves, LANL Fellow and scientist. Courtesy/LANL

LANL News:

Geoff Reeves, a Los Alamos National Laboratory Fellow and scientist in the Space Science and Applications group, will discuss the science behind space weather during three Frontiers in Science lectures titled “Whether There’s Weather in Space” beginning July 24 in Santa Fe.

“Space is not a dark, cold void as many people think. Instead, it churns with energy—in the form of magnetic fields and electrically-charged particles,” Reeves said. “Intense solar storms can disrupt communications, compromise power grids and even Read More

CCNS: Luján Champions RECA For New Mexicans

Submitted by Carol A. Clark on July 21, 2017
Concerned Citizens For Nuclear Safety News:
After nearly 600 luminarias were lit on the Tularosa Little League field, U.S. Rep. Ben Ray Luján expressed his apologies to those who are suffering from or have died of illnesses caused by exposure to the first atomic bomb test July 16, 1945, at the Trinity Site.
The bomb contained 13 pounds of plutonium, but only three pounds fissioned. The remaining plutonium and toxic ash fell out over fields, gardens, houses and mountains, eventually flowing into cisterns and waterways. The people, now called “Trinity Downwinders,” were not notified of the danger,
Read More

LANL: Neutrino Research Takes Giant Leap Forward

Submitted by Carol A. Clark on July 20, 2017

This illustration shows the 800-mile/1300-kilometer path from Fermilab to the Sanford Underground Research Facility, straight through the earth. Courtesy/Fermilab

  • The Deep Underground Neutrino Experiment will send particles 800 miles to a mile-deep detector in South Dakota

LANL News:

In a unique groundbreaking ceremony July 21 at the Sanford Underground Research Facility in Lead, S.D., an international group of dignitaries, scientists and engineers will mark the start of construction of a massive experiment that could change our understanding of the universe. The Long-Baseline Read More

Los Alamos County Looks To Residents To Maintain Overlook Collection Center

Submitted by Carol A. Clark on July 20, 2017
Tanner Kennedy deposits brush material into one of the bins Tuesday at the Overlook Collection Center. Photo by Kirsten Laskey/ladailypost.com
 
By KIRSTEN LASKEY
​Los Alamos Daily Post

 

The Overlook Collection Center looked immaculate this week. No paint cans, fluorescent bulbs or containers of chemicals littered the ground. The roll off metal bins were not overflowing with material. The Los Alamos County Environmental Services Division is working to ensure the collection center stays that way.

 

Office Specialist Tiffany Pegoda said a pilot program is kicking off Read More

DPU Investigates Energy Alternatives To Coal

Submitted by Carol A. Clark on July 20, 2017

From left, Department of Public Utilities’ Power Scheduler and Energy Manager Jordon Garcia, Deputy Manager/Power Production Steve Cummins and Department Manager Tim Glasco answer questions during the public meeting to discuss the Integrated Resource Plan  July 12 at the White Rock Branch Library. Photo by Kirsten Laskey/ladailypost.com 

 

The public learns about the Integrated Resource Plan during the July 12 meeting. Photo by Kirsten Laskey/ladailypost.com

 

By KIRSTEN LASKEY

Los Alamos Daily Post 

 

With Los Alamos County preparing to Read More

A Mountaineer’s Story: Shackleton South Georgia Traverse Centennial Expedition

Submitted by Carol A. Clark on July 20, 2017
Adventurer Richard Spitz recounts his expedition through South Georgia Island July 25 at the Los Alamos Nature Center. Courtesy photo
 
PEEC News:
 
Learn more about the infamous Shackleton South Georgia expedition at the Los Alamos Mountaineers meeting Tuesday, July 25 to hear from Richard Spitz, an adventurer who bravely recreated the journey.
 
The presentation begins at 7:15 p.m., at the Los Alamos Nature Center. The Los Alamos Mountaineers meeting is 7 p.m. and covers information about upcoming outings.

Any history book indicates

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Secretary Zinke Announces Formation Of Made In America Recreation Advisory Committee

Submitted by Chris Clark on July 20, 2017
U.S. Secretary of the Interior Ryan Zinke, center, announces Tuesday his intent to create a new advisory committee focused on expanding public-private partnerships on America’s public lands. Courtesy photo
 
INTERIOR DEPARTMENT News:
 
WASHINGTON, D.C. ― At an event Tuesday with members of Indiana’s Congressional delegation, and representatives from America’s outdoor recreation industry, U.S. Secretary of the Interior Ryan Zinke announced his intent to create a new advisory committee that will focus on expanding public-private partnerships
Read More

ORNL: Titan Simulations Show Importance Of Close 2-Way Coupling Between Human And Earth Systems

Submitted by Carol A. Clark on July 20, 2017
OLCF’s Titan advances delivery of accelerated, high-resolution earth system model with human dimensions. Courtesy photo
 
ORNL News:
 
Oak Ridge National Laboratory announces that its Oak Ridge Leadership Computing Facility (OLCF) has developed a new integrated computational climate model to reduce uncertainties in future climate predictions marks the first successful attempt to bridge Earth systems with energy and economic models and large-scale human impact data.
 
The integrated Earth System Model, or iESM, is being used to explore interactions between the physical
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