97-29233. Notice of Availability and Pubic Comment Period on Draft Protocols for Scientific Studies To Be Performed at Ward Valley, California

[Federal Register Volume 62, Number 215 (Thursday, November 6, 1997)]
[Notices]
[Page 60100]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: 97-29233]


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DEPARTMENT OF THE INTERIOR

Bureau of Land Management


Notice of Availability and Pubic Comment Period on Draft 
Protocols for Scientific Studies To Be Performed at Ward Valley, 
California

AGENCY: Bureau of Land Management, DOI.

ACTION: Notice of 30 day public comment period.

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SUMMARY: The Department of Interior (DOI) and Bureau of Land Management 
(BLM) announce the availability of draft Sampling Protocols for 
scientific studies to be performed at the Ward Valley site, The draft 
Sampling Protocols have been prepared pursuant to a contract with BLM 
by two scientists who served on a National Academy of Sciences (NAS) 
panel on Ward Valley. The NAS panel made recommendations in 1995 that 
provide the basis for testing and analysis of tritium and related 
substances. The testing is intended to investigate the extent to which 
tritium released into the atmosphere in the 1950's and 1960's has 
migrated below the surface of the soil at the Ward Valley site.

DATES: Public comments on the draft Sampling Protocols must be received 
by December 8, 1997.

ADDRESSES: Copies of the draft Sampling Protocols may be obtained upon 
request. Submit requests to: Ward Valley Project Coordinator, 2135 
Butano Drive, Sacramento. CA 95825-0451. The draft Sampling Protocols 
are available on the Internet at: www.ca.blm.gov.

FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT:
Jack Mills, Contract Officer Representative, U.S.D.I., Bureau of Land 
Management, California State Office, 2135 Butano Drive, Sacramento, 
California 95825, tel: [phone].

SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION: DOI and BLM are preparing a Supplemental 
Environmental Impact Statement (SEIS) on a proposed land transfer to 
the State of California for the purpose of developing a low-level 
radioactive waste facility at Ward Valley. The site of the proposed 
federal transfer is located in San Bernardino County, California, 
approximately 20 miles west of the City of Needles. Following receipt 
and consideration of comments, it is intended that Sampling Protocols 
will be finalized and testing carried out pursuant to the final 
Sampling Protocols. The proposed testing is subject is subject to an 
environmental assessment (EA) prepared pursuant to the National 
Environmental Policy Act. The EA is being released for public review 
and comment on this date. In addition to this opportunity to review the 
draft protocol and comment under this notice, the public will also have 
the opportunity to review and comment on the results of the tritium, 
and related materials testing and analysis in the draft SEIS.
Duane A. Marti,
Acting Deputy State Director for Natural Resource.
[FR Doc. 97-29233 Filed 11-5-97; 8:45 am]
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