More information requested on proposed biological tests

Wednesday, April 14, 2004 | 9:19 a.m.

A federal and a state agency have requested more information from the National Nuclear Security Administration on plans for small releases of simulated biological agents and chemicals that could jump Nevada Test Site borders.

The Interior Department and the Nevada Division of Environmental Protection asked the administration to explain the six biological materials proposed for tests and the variety of chemicals and their persistence in the environment.

Interior officials are concerned about the federally threatened Mojave Desert tortoise, migrating birds and other sensitive species of plants, animals and insects.

"For example, it would be important to know specific details on the various biological materials, including their persistence in the exposed environment, to assist in determining potential effects to these species," wrote Robert Williams, Interior Department field supervisor.

Sensitive species could be affected on the Desert National Wildlife Refuge and the Nellis Test and Training Range, the state Environmental Protection Division said in a letter.

The Nuclear Security Administration proposed more testing, training and research using common bacteria found in soils and chemicals. The expanded testing planned at the Test Site, 65 miles northwest of Las Vegas, came after the 2001 terrorist attacks, the agency's Nevada Site Office said in its environmental assessment.

The 77-page document concludes that there would be no impacts on workers or the public because the materials under consideration would be released in such small amounts.

In the case of bacteria released in the soil, less than an acre would be affected, the environmental assessment said. Airborne chemical exercises would be subject to wind and weather conditions.

Public comments are being accepted on the draft report until May 14.

The document may be viewed online at www.nv.doe.gov, or at the Nuclear Security Administration's Nuclear Testing Archive, located at the Desert Research Institute, 755 E. Flamingo Road at the corner of Swenson Avenue. The facility is open from 7:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. Monday through Friday.

Comments may be e-mailed to nepa@nv.doe.gov, or by mail to: Chem Bio EA, NEPA Document Manager, National Nuclear Security Administration Nevada Site Office, P.O. Box 98518, Las Vegas, Nev., 89193, Attention: Michael Skougard.