DOE/EIS-0283-S2: Interim Action Determination (December 8, 2008)

Processing of Plutonium Materials from the DOE Standard 3013 Surveillance Program in H-Canyon at the Savannah River Site

DOE reviewed the environmental analysis relevant to processing Pu-239 materials in H-Canyon for vitrification in DWPF. DOE believes the analyses in the IMNM EIS are still representative of the impacts of processing these materials. Therefore, no adverse environmental impacts would result from processing surveillance material in H-Canyon for vitrification in DWPF. In addition, because of the small quantities involved relative to the six metric tons of plutonium materials being evaluated in the SPD SEIS (DOE/EIS-0283-S2), processing this material would no affect DOE's ultimate selection of disposition alternatives. DOE would realize significant advantages by processing these materials in the near term rather than waiting until a Record of Decision for the SPD SEIS is completed. Therefore this action is clearly an allowable interim action in accordance with DOE regulations for implementing NEPA, at 10 CFR 1021.104 and 1021.211. 

For more information, see Surplus Plutonium Disposition Supplemental Environmental Impact Statement.