Natural and Cultural Resources - bnl.gov · vegetation, birds, reptiles, amphibians, and mammals...

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Brookhaven National Laboratory (BNL) has a wildlife management program to protect and manage flora and fauna and their habitats. The Laboratory’s wildlife management strategy is based on an understanding of the resources onsite, ensuring compliance with applicable regulations, protecting and moni- toring the ecosystem, conducting research, and communicating with staff and the public. BNL focuses on protection of New York State threatened and endangered species, as well as the role of BNL within the greater Long Island Central Pine Barrens ecosystem. Monitoring to determine whether current or historical activities have impacted wildlife is also part of this pro- gram. In 2000, deer and fish sampling results were consistent with previous years. Local farm grown produce and vegetables grown in the new BNL garden plot continue to support historical analysis that there is no Labora- tory-generated radionuclides in farm produce. Vegetation monitoring did not indicate any radiological contamination above background levels. Goose fecal analysis indicates that geese may be concentrating low levels of cesium- 137 in their droppings. Basin sediment and soil sampling shows no indication of contaminants above what has been observed in the past, with the excep- tion of some higher levels of heavy metals detected at the Central Steam Facility. In 2000, BNL moved forward with its Cultural Resources Manage- ment Program by establishing a work plan for developing a Cultural Resources Management Plan. Work progressed on the development of a history video on the Brookhaven Graphite Research Reactor Complex which was deter- mined to be eligible for inclusion on the National Register of Historic Places. Additionally, work was completed on a building survey to determine the potential historic value of BNL’s buildings in accordance with the require- ments of Section 110 of the National Historic Preservation Act. SITE ENVIRONMENTAL REPORT 2000 Natural and Cultural Resources BROOKHAVEN NATIONAL LABORATORY Chapter 6

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Page 1: Natural and Cultural Resources - bnl.gov · vegetation, birds, reptiles, amphibians, and mammals reside onsite at BNL. The only New York State endangered species that inhabits BNL

6-1 SITE ENVIRONMENTAL REPORT 2000

CHAPTER 6: NATURAL AND CULTURAL RESOURCES

Brookhaven National Laboratory (BNL) has a wildlife management program

to protect and manage flora and fauna and their habitats. The Laboratory’s

wildlife management strategy is based on an understanding of the resources

onsite, ensuring compliance with applicable regulations, protecting and moni-

toring the ecosystem, conducting research, and communicating with staff

and the public. BNL focuses on protection of New York State threatened

and endangered species, as well as the role of BNL within the greater Long

Island Central Pine Barrens ecosystem. Monitoring to determine whether

current or historical activities have impacted wildlife is also part of this pro-

gram. In 2000, deer and fish sampling results were consistent with previous

years. Local farm grown produce and vegetables grown in the new BNL

garden plot continue to support historical analysis that there is no Labora-

tory-generated radionuclides in farm produce. Vegetation monitoring did

not indicate any radiological contamination above background levels. Goose

fecal analysis indicates that geese may be concentrating low levels of cesium-

137 in their droppings. Basin sediment and soil sampling shows no indication

of contaminants above what has been observed in the past, with the excep-

tion of some higher levels of heavy metals detected at the Central Steam

Facility. In 2000, BNL moved forward with its Cultural Resources Manage-

ment Program by establishing a work plan for developing a Cultural Resources

Management Plan. Work progressed on the development of a history video

on the Brookhaven Graphite Research Reactor Complex which was deter-

mined to be eligible for inclusion on the National Register of Historic Places.

Additionally, work was completed on a building survey to determine the

potential historic value of BNL’s buildings in accordance with the require-

ments of Section 110 of the National Historic Preservation Act.

SITE ENVIRONMENTAL REPORT 2000

Natural andCulturalResources

B R O O K H A V E N

N A T I O N A L

L A B O R A T O R Y

Chapter 6

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6.1 WILDLIFE MANAGEMENT PROGRAM

The purpose of the wildlife managementprogram at BNL is to promote stewardship ofthe natural resources found at the Laboratory,as well as to integrate natural resource protec-tion with the Laboratory’s mission. In 1998,BNL developed a Wildlife Management Planthat describes the program strategy, elements,and planned activities. This plan was updated in1999 to incorporate comments from the U.S.Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) andthe New York State Department of Environ-mental Conservation (NYSDEC) (Naidu 1999).The plan and related natural resources informa-tion about the Laboratory can be found at theEnvironmental Services Division website at<http://www.bnl.gov/wildlife/>. The programelements and some of the associated activitiesare summarized in this chapter.

6.1.1 IDENTIFICATION AND MAPPING OF NATURALRESOURCES

An understanding of the environmentalbaseline is the starting point for wildlifemanagement planning. The Central PineBarrens Commissionconducted a naturalresources inventoryof the BNL site basedon data collectedfrom 1970 to 1990.This mapping pro-cess has identifiedenvironmentallysensitive areas andsignificant wildlifecommunities. BNL isin the process ofupdating this inventory.

As noted in Chapter 1, a wide variety ofvegetation, birds, reptiles, amphibians, andmammals reside onsite at BNL. The only NewYork State endangered species that inhabitsBNL property is the tiger salamander (Am-bystoma t. tigrinum) (see Figure 6-1). Three NewYork State threatened species have beenidentified: the banded sunfish (Enneacanthusobesus) (see Figure 6-2), the swamp darter(Etheostoma fusiforme) (see Figure 6-3), and thestiff goldenrod (Solidago rigida), a plant. Inaddition, several species that inhabit the BNLsite, or visit during migration, are listed as“rare,” “species of special concern,” or“exploitably vulnerable” (see Table 6-1).

6.1.2 HABITAT PROTECTION AND ENHANCEMENT

Activities to eliminate or minimize nega-tive impacts on sensitive or critical species areeither incorporated into BNL procedures orinto specific program or project plans. Envi-ronmental restoration efforts remove pollut-ant sources that could contaminate habitats.Access to critical habitats is restricted. A mapof tiger salamander breeding locations ismaintained and reviewed when new projectsare proposed to ensure that the projects donot negatively affect the breeding areas. Themap is limited in distribution in order toprotect the tiger salamander from beingexploited by collectors and the pet trade. Insome cases, habitats are enhanced to improvesurvival or increase populations. Routine

activities (e.g., road maintenance) that are notexpected to impact habitats are allowed toproceed.

Efforts to protect the tiger salamanderinclude determining when adult salamandersare migrating toward breeding locations, when

Figure 6-3. Swamp Darter (Etheostoma fusiforme).This fish was released immediately after the picturewas taken.

Figure 6-1. Tiger Salamander(Ambystoma t. tigrinum).

Figure 6-2. Banded Sunfish(Enneacanthus obesus). This fishwas released immediately after thepicture was taken.

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metamorphosis has been completed, and whenjuveniles are migrating after metamorphosis.During these times, construction and/ormaintenance activities near tiger salamanderhabitats must be reviewed by BNL environ-mental protection staff, and every effort ismade to minimize impacts. Water qualitytesting is conducted as part of the routinemonitoring of water basins. These data areused to assess the quality of water prior to thebreeding cycle. In cooperation with NYSDEC,limited habitat surveys were conducted in2000. Comprehensive surveys of known andsuspected tiger salamander habitats werecompleted with one additional breedinghabitat identified, bringing the total knownbreeding locations to fifteen. All pondsidentified as having egg masses during thespring surveys were surveyed again in Juneand July to determine reproductive success bypresence of larval salamanders. Forty-eightlarvae were seen, or captured and released, infour of the ponds in which egg masses werefound. The results of these surveys will helpdetermine the length of the breeding periodand provide the information needed to deter-mine a window for construction activities inand around the breeding areas. The informa-tion may also identify possible activities thatcould be affecting this species and changes insite use that are needed. The map of thebreeding areas will be updated periodically toinclude any new observations.

As part of the tiger salamander surveys,incidental information is recorded on otheramphibian species located in and around thetiger salamander habitat. Other speciesrecorded include the northern redback sala-mander (Plethodon c. cinereus), spring peeper(Pseudacris crucifer), wood frog (Rana sylvatica),gray tree frog (Hyla versicolor), bullfrog (Ranacatesbiana), green frog (Rana clamitans), andFowler’s toad (Bufo fowleri).

Banded sunfish protection efforts includeensuring that adequate flow of the river ismaintained within areas currently identified assunfish habitat, ensuring that existing vegeta-tion in the sunfish habitat is not disturbed, andevaluating all river remediation efforts forpotential impacts on these habitats. An addi-tional banded sunfish population was identi-fied in August 2000, and an additional NewYork threatened species, the swamp darter, wasfound co-located with banded sunfish at the

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new location. Additional surveys of the riverand other habitats onsite will be conducted in2001 to monitor the population status of thesetwo protected species.

BNL’s Wildlife Management Plan also callsfor habitat enhancement. In 1999, all readilyavailable data were compiled to establishBNL’s bird list. A total of 216 species havebeen identified at BNL since 1948, of which atleast 85 are known to nest onsite. Some ofthese nesting birds have shown declines intheir populations nationwide over the past 30years. In 2000, the Laboratory established fivepermanent bird survey routes through varioushabitats and began routine monitoring ofsongbird populations. The results of thesesurveys are presented in Table 6-2. Thesurveys started in May 2000 and were carriedout monthly through October 2000. Futuresongbird surveys will be conducted fromMarch through October. The 2000 surveysresulted in the identification of 73 speciesduring the year, of which 23 species werecounted only once and are likely to be mi-grants stopping at BNL for a short period oftime. The two most diverse transects passnear wetlands by the Biology Fields and thePeconic River. The three transects passingthrough the various forest types (white pine,moist pine barrens, and dry pine barrens)showed a less diverse bird community. Inaddition to songbird surveys, BNL alsoparticipates in the annual Christmas BirdCount conducted by the Audubon Society.BNL has participated in the count for severalyears, but the results have not been reporteduntil now. The 2000 Christmas Bird Count forBNL was conducted on December 27 andresulted in the identification of 24 species ofbirds wintering at BNL.

The eastern bluebird (sialia sialis) has beenidentified as one of the declining species ofmigratory birds in North America. Thisdecline is due to loss of habitat and nest sitecompetition by the European starlings(Sturnus vulgaris) and house sparrows (Passerdomesticus). In 2000, BNL installed 26 bluebirdboxes around open grassland areas of the siteto enhance the bluebird population. Theboxes were monitored approximately everythree weeks during the breeding season todetermine use and nesting success. Bluebirdsused seven of the installed boxes, with eachpair producing at least one brood. House

wrens (Troglodytes aedon) used five of theinstalled boxes. As part of BNL’s efforts toimprove habitat for this species, more than 40bluebird boxes were presented as awards atEarth Day events in April and to EnvironmentalServices Division employees. BNL intends toinstall up to 20 more boxes onsite in 2001, andpresent additional boxes as awards for the SiteEnvironmental Report artwork contest and toemployees providing an outstanding contribu-tion to environmental protection of BNL.

6.1.3 POPULATION MANAGEMENT

The Laboratory also monitors and managesother species populations as necessary toensure that they are sustained and to controlinvasive species. For example, the Laboratorymonitors populations of “species of interest,”such as the wild turkey (Meleagris gallopavo).The onsite population of wild turkeys wasestimated to be between 60 and 80 birds in1999 and 200 birds by the end of 2000. Thewild turkeys onsite are apparently doing well, asapproximately one half of the estimatedpopulation is composed of juvenile birds. Thelarge increase in the turkey population is likelydue to a heavy crop of acorns that sustainedthe population through the winter of 1999-2000. Updated population reports are periodi-cally sent to NYSDEC to assist with theirpopulation estimates. The population willcontinue to be monitored to determine repro-ductive success.

BNL is currently updating information onthe onsite white-tailed deer (Odocoileusvirginianus) population. Since there are nonatural predators onsite and hunting is notpermitted at BNL, there are no significantpressures on the population to migrate beyondtheir typical home range of approximately onemile. A 1992 study indicated that the popula-tion of deer onsite exceeded 700, or approxi-mately 85 per square mile (2.59 square kilome-ters) (Thomlinson 1993). Normally a popula-tion density of 10 to 30 per square mile isconsidered an optimum sustainable level for agiven area. This would equate to approxi-mately 83 – 247 deer inhabiting the BNLproperty under normal circumstances. Thisnumber was likely seen in 1966 when theLaboratory reported an estimate of 267 deeronsite (Dwyer 1966). The current estimate,based on surveys conducted between Novem-ber and December 2000, is 1,942 deer, or

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approximately 236 deer per square mile. Ageclass comparisons from the 2000 populationsurvey suggest that the deer population nearlydoubled in 2000. This large increase in thedeer population is likely due to an abundanceof food available from the massive crop ofacorns present and available during the 1999-2000 winter and what appeared to be anextended breeding season. In 2000, fawns wereborn starting in early April with late birthsoccurring at the end of July and early August.

Overpopulation can affect both animal andhuman health (e.g., animal starvation, deer tickstransmit Lyme disease), decrease speciesdiversity such as song birds (due to selectivegrazing and destruction of habitat), and canalso result in increased property damage(grazing on ornamentals) and traffic accidentsas the animals forage into developed areas forfood. Reduction of property damage due todeer/vehicle collisions is one aspect consid-ered in planning deer population manage-

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ment. In 2000 there were 24 deer/vehiclecollisions reported onsite. This is a dramaticincrease over the four deer/vehicle collisionsreported in 1999. The abrupt increase in deer/vehicle accidents began to occur in May 2000as fawns and young deer started venturing outinto the open areas of the Laboratory. As thedeer population increased, so did reports ofdeer eating shrubbery on the developedportions of the Laboratory. By the end of2000, evidence of severe browsing on orna-mental shrubs was documented throughoutthe site. While not a threat to human health,the damage to shrubbery may result in theneed to replace shrubs at substantial cost toBNL. Options for managing the deer popula-tion continue to be evaluated, and BNLcontinues to work with state regulators todetermine the best method for controlling thedeer population.

6.1.4 COMPLIANCE ASSURANCE AND POTENTIAL IMPACTASSESSMENT

The National Environmental Policy Act(NEPA) review process at BNL is one of thekeys to ensuring that environmental impactsof a proposed action/activity are adequatelyevaluated and addressed. BNL will continue touse NEPA, or NEPA-like values under theComprehensive Environmental Response,Compensation and Liability Act (Environmen-tal Restoration Program), as the process foridentifying potential environmental impactsassociated with site activities (especiallyphysical alterations). As appropriate, stake-holders such as the EPA, NYSDEC, SuffolkCounty Department of Health Services, theNature Conservancy, the Town of Brookhaven,the Community Advisory Council, and localenvironmental advocacy groups are involvedin reviewing major projects which have poten-tial significant environmental impacts.

6.2 ESTABLISHMENT OF THE UPTON ECOLOGICALAND RESEARCH RESERVE

On November 9, 2000, Secretary ofEnergy Bill Richardson, and Susan MacMahon,Acting Regional Director of Region Five U.S.Fish and Wildlife Service (FWS) dedicated 530acres (214 hectares) of the Laboratory prop-erty as an ecological research reserve. Theproperty was designated by DOE as the UptonEcological and Research Reserve (see Figure1-7 in Chapter 1) and is to be managed by the

U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service under anInteragency Agreement between the Depart-ment of Energy and FWS (DOE-FWS 2000).The Upton Reserve, located on the easternedge of BNL (see Figure 6-4), is home to awide variety of flora and fauna. It containswetlands and is partly within the core preser-vation area of the Long Island Central PineBarrens. Based on information from the 1994-1995 biological survey of BNL, it is expectedthat over 200 plant species may be foundwithin the reserve, and more than 162 speciesof mammals, birds, fish, reptiles and amphib-ians (LMS 1995). In establishing the UptonReserve, DOE committed to provide the FWSwith $1,000,000 over a five-year period for themanagement of the reserve. In the first yearof its existence, the FWS will hire two biolo-gists, formally establish the boundary and postthe area. They will also begin baseline biologi-cal survey work, initiate basic research, andconduct educational programs. The supervi-sory biologist from the FWS will serve as amember of a Technical Advisory Group to beestablished to assist BNL with the develop-ment of a Natural Resource Management Plan.Additional information concerning the estab-lishment of the Upton Reserve may by foundon the Internet at <http://www.bnl.gov/esd/reserve.htm>.

6.2.1 TECHNICAL ADVISORY GROUP

The Interagency Agreement establishingthe Upton Ecological and Research Reservealso made provisions for the establishment ofthe Technical Advisory Group to providetechnical input in the development of acomprehensive Natural Resource ManagementPlan for the management of both the UptonReserve and the remainder of the BNL prop-erty. This comprehensive plan will replace theexisting Wildlife Management Plan. TheTechnical Advisory Group will also developcriteria for the solicitation, review, and awardof research funds for proposals on research tobe conducted within the Upton Reserve. BNLexpects participation on the Technical Advi-sory Group to include representatives fromthe NYSDEC, Suffolk County Parks Depart-ment, Peconic Estuary Program, Central PineBarrens Joint Policy and Planning Commis-sion, FWS, DOE, Citizens Advisory Council,Brookhaven Executive Roundtable, U.S.National Park Service, Brookhaven Science

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Upton Ecological and Research Reserve

Wetlands

0 3000 6000 Feet

Figure 6-4. BNL Site Map Indicating the Boundary of the Upton Ecological and Research Reserve.

Associates, and The Nature Conservancy.Letters to the various agencies and organiza-tions requesting formal participation in theTechnical Advisory Group were mailed inDecember 2000. The formation and firstmeeting of the Group is planned for early 2001.

6.3 FLORA AND FAUNA MONITORING ACTIVITIES

BNL conducts routine monitoring of floraand fauna in order to determine whether pastor present activities conducted by the Labora-tory have had any impacts on the surroundingenvironment. Due to the distribution of soilscontaminated with cesium-137 in some of thelandscaped areas, some contamination isfound in deer, and possibly other plants andanimals. The sections below describe theresults of the annual sampling conductedunder the flora and fauna monitoring program.

6.3.1 DEER SAMPLING

Deer in New York State typically grow tolarge sizes, with average weights of males atapproximately 150 pounds; females are onethird less at about 100 pounds. However, deeron Long Island tend to be much smaller insize, with an average weight of less than 80pounds. The available meat on local deerranges from 20 to 40 pounds per deer.

In 2000, as in recent years, an offsite deersampling program was again conducted incooperation with the NYSDEC WildlifeBranch. NYSDEC samples provide data ondeer moving beyond BNL boundaries, wherethey can be legally hunted. This program alsoprovides control data on deer living in loca-tions that are distant from BNL. In addition tosamples taken offsite by NYSDEC, sampleswere obtained from road kill near BNL and

N

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hunter donations were obtained from Labora-tory employees. The total number of samplesobtained near the BNL site increased from pastyears due to a large number of deer/vehicleaccidents both on and off the site, and theincreased donations from hunters. In all, 28deer samples were obtained onsite and 21 weregathered from offsite locations.

BNL has been monitoring radionuclidelevels in deer onsite since 1992. Onsite sampleswere collected primarily from deer killed invehicle accidents. Samples were analyzed forgamma-emitting radionuclides; the results areshown in Table 6-3. It has been previouslyestablished that deer taken on the BNL sitecontain concentrations of cesium--137 (half-life= 30 years) at levels above those taken fromoffsite. This is most likely the result of deergrazing on vegetation growing in soils whereelevated cesium-137 levels are known to exist.Cesium-137 in these soils can be transferred toaboveground plant matter via root uptake,where it then becomes available to browsinganimals. Removal of contaminated soil areashas occurred under the site EnvironmentalRestoration Program. All major areas ofcontamination in lawn soils were remediated in2000. Some soil contamination is still presentin areas that are part of Operable Units I/VIand V. The Record of Decision for OperableUnits I and Radiologically Contaminated Soilswas issued on October 5, 1999 (BNL 1999).The cleanup of areas covered by this Record ofDecision is scheduled and will be completedbased on availability of funds. A Record ofDecision for Operable Unit V has not yet beensigned. In 2000, a decision was made to sepa-rate the cleanup of the Sewage Treatment Plant(STP) from the Peconic River cleanup.

All data obtained since 1992 were presentedin the 1999 Site Environmental Report (BNL2000) including the distribution of cesium-137levels in deer versus distance from the Labora-tory was presented. Cesium-137 concentrationsdecrease sharply beyond one mile (1.6 kilome-ters) from the BNL boundary. This indicatesthat deer feeding on Laboratory property havethe potential to migrate short distances offsiteand also supports the estimates of the deerhome range being one square mile.

The maximum onsite concentration ofcesium-137 detected in all deer meat sampleswas 7.31 pCi/g (0.27 Bq/g) wet weight (theconcentration prior to drying for analysis).

The arithmetic average concentration of allonsite samples of meat in which cesium-137was detected was 1.48 pCi/g (0.05 Bq/g). Thiscan be compared with the maximum andaverage cesium-137 concentrations in meatrecorded in offsite samples of 7.57 and 2.07pCi/g (0.28 and 0.08 Bq/g), respectively.Cesium-137 concentrations in offsite deer wereseparated into two groups: those samplestaken within one mile of BNL and samplestaken greater than one mile from BNL (seeTable 6-3). Cesium-137 concentrations in deermeat samples taken within one mile of BNLrange from 0.28 – 7.57 pCi/g (0.01 – 28 Bq/g),while concentrations in deer meat taken fromgreater than one mile ranged from beingnondetectable to 3.60 pCi/g (0 – 0.13 Bq/g).Figure 6-5 compares the ranges of cesium-137concentrations in meat samples from onsiteand offsite deer collected since 1996. Themaximum cesium-137 concentration in liversamples collected onsite was 1.21 pCi/g (0.04Bq/g) and the average was 0.39 pCi/g (0.01Bq/g). Cesium-137 concentrations in offsitedeer liver samples were similar in range as thatseen in meat samples in both subpopulations.

Figure 6-6 presents the trends in arith-metic averages of both onsite and offsitecesium-137 concentrations in deer meatsamples taken from 1996 through 2000. Thedownward trend in cesium-137 concentrationsin onsite samples could be indicative of twofactors: (1) a more accurate estimate based onan increased number of samples taken peryear, and (2) a larger number of young deertaken in 2000, which resulted in lower concen-trations of cesium-137 accumulating in tissues.The trend in cesium-137 concentrations inoffsite samples indicates a leveling off ofcesium-137 around 2.00 pCi/g (0.07 Bq/g).The arithmetic average of the 23 samples takensince 1996 from locations greater than onemile from BNL is 0.69 pCi/g (0.03 Bq/g). Theonsite average concentration of cesium-137 of1.48 pCi/g (0.05 Bq/g) is therefore 2.14 timesgreater than the average offsite concentrationfrom deer located more than one mile fromthe Laboratory.

The potential radiological dose resultingfrom deer meat consumption is discussed inChapter 8. The New York State Department ofHealth has formally assessed the potentialpublic health risk associated with the elevatedcesium-137 levels in onsite deer and deter-

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6-12SITE ENVIRONMENTAL REPORT 2000

CHAPTER 6: NATURAL AND CULTURAL RESOURCES

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CHAPTER 6: NATURAL AND CULTURAL RESOURCES

mined that neither hunting restrictions norformal health advisories are warranted(NYSDOH 1999). Their report may be ac-cessed at <http://www.bnl.gov/wildlife/deer_issues.htm/>.

With respect to the health of the onsitedeer population, the International Atomic

Energy Agency (IAEA) has concluded thatchronic dose rates of 100 millirad per day (1mGy/d), to even the most radiosensitive speciesin terrestrial ecosystems, are unlikely to causedetrimental effects in animal populations (IAEA1992). A deer containing a uniform distributionof cesium-137 at the highest levels observed to

Figure 6-5. Ranges of Cesium-137 Concentrations in Deer Samples Collected Onsiteand Offsite (1996-2000).

Figure 6-6. Cesium-137 Average Concentrations in Meat Taken From Onsite andOffsite Deer (1996-2000).

0

5

10

15

20

25

30

ND 0.01 - 1 1.01 - 2 2.01 - 4 4.01 - 6 6.01 - 8 8.01 - 10 > 10

Cs-137 Concentration Ranges, (pCi/g, wet weight)

No.

of S

ampl

es in

Ran

ge

Onsite

Offsite

0.00

1.00

2.00

3.00

4.00

5.00

6.00

7.00

(5, 3)

1996

(6, 1)

1997

(8, 9)

1998

(12, 9)

1999

(28, 21)

2000(Sample numbers)

Year

Cs-

137

Con

cent

ratio

n (p

Ci/g

, wet

wei

ght)

Onsite

Offsite

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date would carry a total body burden of about0.2 µCi (0.007 MBq). Under these conditions,an animal would receive an absorbed dose ofapproximately 3 millirad per day (0.03 mGy/d), which is only 3% of the threshold evalu-ated by the IAEA. Deer observed and sampledonsite appear to be healthy.

BNL began testing bone (when available)for strontium-90 content during 2000. Stron-tium-90 ranged from 0.69 to 4.34 pCi/g (0.03– 0.16 Bq/g) in onsite samples, 1.40 to 4.61pCi/g (0.05 – 0.17 Bq/g) in samples takenwithin one mile of BNL, and 0.90 to 5.88 pCi/g (0.03 – 0.22 Bq/g) in samples taken fromlocations greater than a mile from BNL. Thisoverlap in values between all samples suggeststhat strontium-90 is present in the environ-ment at background levels and is likely a resultof worldwide fallout from nuclear weaponstesting. Strontium-90 is present at very lowlevels in the environment, is readily incorpo-rated into bone tissue, and may concentrateover time. BNL will continue to test forstrontium-90 in bone to build baseline infor-mation on this radionuclide and its presencein deer.

6.3.2 SMALL MAMMAL SAMPLING

BNL instituted small mammal sampling in2000 to determine the suitability of usingsmall mammals, primarily squirrels, as asurrogate for deer sampling. Squirrels arereadily trapped and tend to eat similar fooditems compared to deer. Offsite samples wereobtained from a licensed trapper located westof the William Floyd Parkway, while onsitesamples came from various locations aroundBNL. Squirrels were sent to an offsite lab fordissection and analysis. The meat was sepa-rated from the bone and tested for gamma-emitting radionuclides, while the bone wastested for strontium-90. Results of the testingare presented in Table 6-4. Cesium-137 inoffsite samples ranged from less than theminimum detection level to 0.72 pCi/g (0.03Bq/g). Onsite samples contained cesium-137ranging from 0.27 to 12.40 pCi/g (0.01 – 0.46Bq/g). Strontium-90 at 1.45 pCi/g (0.05 Bq/g) was found in the bone of a single opossumtaken near Building 533. The cesium levels intwo squirrels were high, 10.90 and 12.40 pCi/g(0.40 and 0.46 Bq/g), compared to all othersamples including deer (see Table 6-3). Thesource of the contamination is unknown at

this time for the squirrel taken at the currentlandfill (closed). The squirrel taken near theSewage Treatment Plant is likely to haveacquired cesium-137 from eating vegetationgrowing in the contaminated soils there.Small mammals will continue to be sampledto obtain added information about theirusefulness in environmental surveillance andto better define where they may be acquiringcesium-137 from the environment.

6.3.3 GOOSE FECAL MATERIAL

The Laboratory has a resident populationof Canada geese (Branta Canadensis) thatfluctuates between 80 and 120 birds. Canadageese are tend to feed on green grasses andweedy plants, and may ingest soil as they pullyoung plants out of the ground. In 2000, BNLinitiated the sampling of goose fecal materialalong with sampling of lawn grasses to deter-mine if there was potential for the Canadagoose population to pick up cesium-137contamination that has been historicallypresent in some of the landscape soils. Table6-5 displays the data from the radiologicalanalysis of the goose fecal material as well asgrass taken in the area where the fecal materialwas obtained. A sample of grass clippingsfrom the Weaver Drive pond area was the onlyone that showed any level of cesium-137present. However, goose fecal materialshowed low levels of cesium-137 ranging from0.07 pCi/g to 0.64 pCi/g (0.003 Bq/g to 0.02Bq/g) in various locations onsite at BNL.This suggests that geese feeding on the lawnsat BNL have at least the potential to concen-trate cesium-137 in their digestive tract. Atpresent there are no data about cesium-137 inthe geese. BNL will continue to look atcesium-137 levels in fecal material and com-pare it to levels found in lawn vegetation. Ifsampling of geese were warranted, then theLaboratory would acquire the necessarylicenses before obtaining samples.

6.3.4 FISH SAMPLING

BNL, in collaboration with the NYSDECFisheries Division, maintains an ongoingprogram for the collection and analysis of fishfrom the Peconic River and surrounding freshwater bodies. In 2000, various species of fishwere collected from onsite portions of thePeconic River, as well as from offsite locationssuch as Swan Pond, Donahue’s Pond, and

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Page 16: Natural and Cultural Resources - bnl.gov · vegetation, birds, reptiles, amphibians, and mammals reside onsite at BNL. The only New York State endangered species that inhabits BNL

6-16SITE ENVIRONMENTAL REPORT 2000

CHAPTER 6: NATURAL AND CULTURAL RESOURCES

0 10 20 30

0 10

Kilometers

Miles

See Figure 5-9 in Chapter 5 for Fish and Shellfish Sampling Locations

Control locations for shellfish sampling

Lloyd Harbor

Jamaica Bay

Forge Pond (see Figure 6-7 for geographiclocations). Control location samples weretaken from Lower Lake on the Carmans River.Sampling onsite and on the Carmans River iscarried out through a contract with ColdSprings Harbor Fish Hatchery and Museum.The annual sampling onsite over the pastseveral years has resulted in the requirementto take more fish of a smaller size to obtain asample sufficiently large to complete allanalyses desired. Because the fish populationonsite is not maturing, BNL intends to sus-pend onsite sampling, beginning in 2001, forup to three years to allow the onsite fishpopulations to recover and mature. Annualpopulation and size estimates will be con-ducted to track the recovery. Offsite samplingwill continue as in the past. All samples wereanalyzed for whole body content of each of theanalytes reported; and in most instances, thesamples were a composite of several fish toensure adequate sample size for analysis.

6.3.4.1 RADIOLOGICAL ANALYSIS OF FISH

Brown bullhead (Ictalurus nebulosus), chainpickerel (Esox niger), largemouth bass(Micropterus salmoides), bluegill (Lepomismacrochirus), pumpkinseed (Lepomis gibbosus),creek chubsucker (Erimyzon oblongus), andgolden shiner (Notemigonus crysoleucas) specieswere collected in 2000 by BNL and NYSDECfor radiological analysis. Gamma spectroscopyanalysis was performed on all samples. Specificinformation regarding the sampling point,species collected, and analytical results ispresented in Table 6-6. All sample results arepresented as wet weight concentrations.

Cesium-137 was identified in onsitesamples at levels ranging from 0.86 pCi/g(0.03 Bq/g) in creek chubsuckers, to 1.30pCi/g (0.05 Bq/g) in a brown bullhead. Thehighest level of cesium-137 found in offsitefish was 0.66 pCi/g (0.02 Bq/g) in a large-mouth bass from Donahue’s Pond. Cesium-137was not detected in any of the fish taken fromthe Carmans River.

In 2000, BNL initiated testing for Stron-tium-90. Strontium-90 is readily deposited inbone. Stronium-90 was not detected in any ofthe onsite fish but was found at the highestdetected level of 1.82 pCi/g (0.07 Bq/g) inlargemouth bass taken from Donahue’s Pond.Since this is the first year of testing for stron-tium-90, no substantial conclusions can bemade from these data. Because fish wereanalyzed for whole body content, values forstrontium-90 may vary widely as seen in thedata presented here. These variations resultfrom random pieces of bone included in thealiquot of the sample used for the analysis.The lack of detected levels in BNL onsitesamples may also be due to the small size ofthe fish used to generate a composite sample.Younger fish would have less bone mass thanolder fish. BNL will continue to test forstrontium-90 in offsite samples in order tobuild baseline values for future comparisons.

Concentrations of naturally occurringpotassium-40 (a radionuclide commonto soil and vegetation) were ob-served to be very consistentbetween the PeconicRiver and controllocation fish,

Figure 6-7. Area of Sampling Locations for Fish and Shellfish Taken in CY 2000.

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6-17 SITE ENVIRONMENTAL REPORT 2000

CHAPTER 6: NATURAL AND CULTURAL RESOURCES

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validating the comparability of the data. Theonly anthropogenic (human-made) radionu-clide found in any fish sample, control orotherwise, was cesium-137.

Some cesium-137 is detectable in theenvironment worldwide as a result of globalfallout from past aboveground nuclear weap-ons testing. This is evident when examiningthe analytical results of control location (SwanPond and Carmans River) fish from past andpresent years. In the past, cesium-137 values upto 0.43 pCi/g (0.02 Bq/g) were found inyellow perch (Perca flavescens) flesh taken fromSwan Pond. Current levels are no higher than0.51 pCi/g (0.02 Bq/g) in brown bullheads,while fish from the Carmans River show eitherless than minimum detection limits or none atall. In order to account for the differentfeeding habits and weights of various species,

it is important to compare species with similarfeeding habits. In general, cesium-137 concen-trations in bullheads collected near the BNLSewage Treatment Plant outfall were elevatedin comparison to the control locations. Theelevations became less pronounced withincreasing distance from the Sewage Treat-ment Plant outfall (see the Donahue’s Pondand Forge Pond values in Table 6-6). Cesium-137 values in fish from both Donahue’s Pondand Forge Pond are roughly equivalent tothose seen at Swan Pond.

Though it is clear from discharge recordsand sediment sampling that historical BNLoperations have contributed to anthropogenicradionuclide levels in the Peconic Riversystem, most of these radionuclides (with theexception of tritium) were released betweenthe late 1950s and early 1970s.

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6-18SITE ENVIRONMENTAL REPORT 2000

CHAPTER 6: NATURAL AND CULTURAL RESOURCES

6.3.4.2 NONRADIOLOGICAL ANALYSIS OF FISH ANDSHELLFISH

In 1997, under the Operable Unit Vremediation project, the BNL EnvironmentalRestoration Program conducted samplingand analysis of fish samples from thePeconic River for metals, pesticides, andpolycholorinated biphenyls (PCBs). Resultsindicated that the levels found were notconsidered to have a health impact on fish orhumans. However, DOE directed that thesampling of fish for pesticides, metals, andPCBs should be incorporated into the annualenvironmental sampling program. Thisanalysis was conducted in 1999 and again in2000. The timing of sampling has varied fromyear to year, as well as the sample preparation(whole body, tissue separation, compositesampling). In 1997 sampling was performedduring the April-May period, in 1999 samplingwas performed during the September-Decem-ber, and in 2000 sampling occurred in the July-August period. This along with wide variationsin fish size, and the need for composite as wellas whole body samples to obtain significantmass for analysis, makes the comparison moretenuous as seasonal variations in feeding,energy consumption, and incorporation ofnutrients in tissues by fish can be significant.

Table 6-7 shows the concentration levels ofmetals in fish and shellfish (clams and mus-sels) for 2000. None of the metal concentra-tions were considered to be capable of impact-ing the health of the consumers of such fishor clams, with the exception of mercury. Incomparing the metals results from 1997 to2000 for those species that were analyzedduring all periods, it was found that mercurylevels in the 2000 onsite samples were higherthan those found in 1997. Mercury was foundin chain pickerel at 3.72 mg/kg and in brownbullhead catfish at 3.01 mg/kg. Both sampleswere whole body composites composed ofseveral small fish. The level of mercury inthese two samples is above the consumptionstandard of 1.0 mg/kg set by the U.S. Foodand Drug Administration. This could be theresult of seasonal difference in the sampling(spring vs. summer), significant differences inthe size of fish caught during the differentseasons, and/or whole body compositesversus tissue sampling (fillet and skin viscerasampling). Although the level of mercury inthese fish is high, the likelihood of these fish

being eaten is very low. There is no fishingallowed onsite at BNL and the samples werecomposites made up of fish that are belowlegal limits for retaining.

Table 6-8 shows the concentration levels ofdetected pesticides in fish for 2000. The levelsdo not exceed any standards that constitutehealth impacts on the consumers of such fishand, therefore, are not considered harmful.No pesticides were detected in onsite samples.The pesticides DDD and DDE were detected atlow levels at several offsite locations. Thesepesticides are breakdown products of DDTwhich was commonly used before 1970.Chlordane and Dieldrin were also commonlyused pesticides and show up at offsite loca-tions in low levels.

Table 6-9 presents the concentration levelsof PCBs in fish for 2000. No PCBs were foundin offsite fish. However, the PCBs Aroclor1254 and Aroclor 1260 were found in allonsite samples. Historically, these two com-pounds were commonly used in electricalequipment onsite at BNL. Present levels aresimilar to or higher than those seen in 1999.With small numbers of samples for compari-son, it is difficult to assess what would beconsidered an average value. The variation inresults may be due to differences in laboratoryprocedures, sample types (whole body, com-posites, or tissues), fish sizes, or they may be atrue reflection of PCBs present in the fish.However, at the observed levels, these concen-trations should not pose a health hazards asfishing is not permitted onsite and all onsitesamples were whole body composites made upof fish too small to be legally retained forconsumption.

6.3.5 MARINE/ESTUARINE SAMPLING

Annual sampling for clams, sediment, andseawater in the Peconic Bay, Flanders Bay,Indian Point, Jamaica Bay, and Lloyd Harbor(control location) was conducted in 2000 (seeFigure 6-7). Stakeholder concern that BNL’sdischarges have affected the clamming indus-try were the basis for continuing this samplingprogram. The NYSDEC Marine FisheriesBranch has continued to assist BNL in coordi-nating the sampling with local baymen. Table6-10 summarizes the radiological data. Thenaturally occurring radionuclide potassium-40continues to be the only radionuclide ob-served in these samples. In 2000, estuarinevegetation located at Indian Point was once

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6-19 SITE ENVIRONMENTAL REPORT 2000

CHAPTER 6: NATURAL AND CULTURAL RESOURCES

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Page 20: Natural and Cultural Resources - bnl.gov · vegetation, birds, reptiles, amphibians, and mammals reside onsite at BNL. The only New York State endangered species that inhabits BNL

6-20SITE ENVIRONMENTAL REPORT 2000

CHAPTER 6: NATURAL AND CULTURAL RESOURCES

again sampled. Additionally sediment and/or water samples were obtained from PeconicBay, Flanders Bay, and Indian Point. Theresults indicated that potassium-40 was theonly radionuclide observed in marine orestuarine vegetation, water, and sediment.No BNL generated radionuclides have everbeen detected in marine samples since 1992when sampling began.

6.3.6 AQUATIC SHELLFISH, VEGETATION, WATER, ANDSEDIMENT SAMPLING

Samples of freshwater mussels, vegetation,sediments, and water were taken at severallocations within the Peconic River and theCarmans River (see Figure 6-8 and Table 6-10).Cesium-137 was detected at low levels insediments from Swan Pond and Donahue’s

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6-21 SITE ENVIRONMENTAL REPORT 2000

CHAPTER 6: NATURAL AND CULTURAL RESOURCES

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Pond, and in aquatic vegetation from ForgePond and Donahue’s Pond. These levels weresimilar to what was seen in the fish at theselocations.

6.3.7 VEGETATION SAMPLING

Farm vegetable sampling resumed in 2000.Samples were collected from area farmssurrounding BNL as well as from an onsitegarden (Figure 6-9). Samples were submittedfor radiological analysis and the results arepresented in Table 6-11. As in the past, noradionuclides attributable to BNL operationswere observed in farm produce. A small levelof cesium-137 (0.52 pCi/g [0.02 Bq/g]) wasfound in chard grown in the BNL garden.Potassium-40, which occurs naturally, was theonly radionuclide detected in all of the farmproduce sampled. BNL also establishedvegetation sampling of grassy vegetation (seeTable 6-12) near air monitoring stations tosupport the surveillance monitoring associ-ated with these points. Grassy vegetation wasalso sampled in lawn areas where geese tend tograze for comparison with goose fecal sam-pling (see section 6.3.3 above). Vegetationsampling is carried out to determine if deposi-tional material is accumulating on plantsurfaces and soils and whether there is uptakeby the vegetation. In 2000, the only radionu-clide found in grassy vegetation was cesium-137. The highest level of cesium-137, 0.65

Figure 6-8. Sampling Freshwater Mussels From thePeconic River.

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6-22SITE ENVIRONMENTAL REPORT 2000

CHAPTER 6: NATURAL AND CULTURAL RESOURCES

pCi/g (0.02 Bq/g), was found at Station S6near the former Hazardous Waste Facilitywhich is known to have cesium contamina-tion in the soils. The other two areas wherecesium-137 was detected had levels slightlyabove the detection limit.

6.4 BASIN SEDIMENT SAMPLING

BNL sampled sediments in many of therecharge basins located onsite (see Figure 5-7,map of outfall locations). Basin sedimentsampling occurs on a two-year cycle. Sampleswere taken to a depth of six inches andbroken down into subsamples consisting ofsoils from 0 – 2, 2 – 4, and 4 – 6 inches indepth. Sediments were analyzed for volatileorganic compounds, semivolatile organiccompounds, polychlorinated biphenols(PCBs), metals, and gamma emitting radionu-clides. The subsections below describe thesampling results.

6.4.1 ORGANIC ANALYSIS OF BASIN SEDIMENTSAnalysis of basin sediments showed no

evidence of volatile organic compounds.However, two basins, the Central SteamFacility (CSF), and the channel leading toBasin HN had detectable levels of severalsemivolatile organic compounds that resultfrom the breakdown of road oils. Table 6-13presents the data on those areas with de-tected levels of the semivolatile organiccompounds present. All compounds are wellbelow the cleanup objectives published bySuffolk County Department of Health Ser-vices under Article 12 of the Suffolk CountySanitary Code with the exception of chrysenethat was found at the CSF outfall. Chrysenewas detected at a maximum of 600 ppb at adepth of 4 – 6 inches at this outfall. How-ever, this level is below the 800 ppb actionlevel set by Suffolk County Article 12 stan-dards for cleanup.

109-10

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000-306

600-57

700-19

0 1 2 3 4

0 1 2

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Will

iam

Flo

ydP

arkw

ay

Long Island Expressway

Route25

Route 25A

Site Boundary

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N

Figure 6-9. Farm and Garden Sampling Locations.

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6-23 SITE ENVIRONMENTAL REPORT 2000

CHAPTER 6: NATURAL AND CULTURAL RESOURCES

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Basin sediments also showed the presenceof PCBs in Basins HS and HW. Table 6-14gives the results of PCB analysis for these twobasins. Both basins have Aroclor 1254 andAroclor 1260. Aroclor 1260 was present at thehighest levels, 2200 ppb, in Basin HW at adepth of 4 – 6 inches. These two basins havehistoric evidence of PCBs and were investi-gated under BNL’s CERCLA remedial investi-gation/feasibility studies. The levels seen wereand continue to be below the action levels forcleanup set by Suffolk County Article 12.Since these two basins are within the interiorportions of the Laboratory they are consid-ered to have restricted access. These twobasins will continue to be sampled periodi-cally and monitored for the PCB levels.

6.4.2 METALS ANALYSIS OF BASIN SEDIMENTS

Results of metals analysis in the basins arepresented in Table 6-15. The results show thatmetals are mostly below the minimum detec-tion limit in most basins at all depths and arebelow any standards requiring cleanup, or arebelow established health standards. There are

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6-24SITE ENVIRONMENTAL REPORT 2000

CHAPTER 6: NATURAL AND CULTURAL RESOURCES

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exceptions to be noted. Several metals are atlevels that are above cleanup objectives, butbelow regulatory action levels requiringcleanup. Those metals with the highest leveldetected and location are cadmium (5.4 ppmat the CSF, 4 - 6� depth), copper (253 ppm atthe CSF, 4 - 6� depth), mercury (0.59 ppm atBasin HW, 0 - 2� depth), and nickel (419 ppmat the CSF, 4 - 6� depth). Although not abovecleanup standards, vanadium was detected at

the CSF outfall at levels higher than at anyother sampling location. The likely source forthese high values is boiler washout as vana-dium is a common by-product of oil combus-tion. In addition to the previously mentionedmetals, lead was found at the CSF outfallabove cleanup action levels. The highest levelof lead observed was 8,600 ppm in soilslocated in the sample interval 4 – 6 inchesdeep. This level is higher than has been seenin the past at this location. BNL intends toconduct further sampling in 2001 in the areaof the CSF outfall to better delineate theextent of the lead in sediments.

6.4.3 RADIOLOGICAL ANALYSIS OF BASIN SEDIMENTS

Radiological analysis of basin sedimentswas conducted to detect gamma-emittingradionuclides. Table 6-16 lists the basins andradionuclides detected at the various depths.All radionuclides detected are either naturallyoccurring or were at levels that are consideredto be background. Those radionuclides thatare anthropogenic in nature are cobalt-60 andcesium-137. Cobalt-60 contamination is likely aresult of past operations at BNL, but levelswere lower than action levels and do notrequire remediation. Cesium-137 is likely aresult of worldwide fallout from pastaboveground nuclear weapons testing. Beryl-

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CHAPTER 6: NATURAL AND CULTURAL RESOURCES

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lium levels seen in basin sediments is naturallyoccurring and originates from atmosphericionization resulting from solar flare activity.Beryllium-7 is also noted in precipitation datadiscussed below in Section 6.5.

6.5 SOIL SAMPLING

Soil sampling was expanded in 2000.Historically soil samples were obtained atfarm locations where farm produce wascollected. This practice continued in 2000with the addition of soil sampling at locationswhere grassy vegetation was sampled. Sincemany of the soil sampling points are in thevicinity of air monitoring stations, the sam-pling of soil and vegetation supports airmonitoring. Over time, soil sampling mayprovide indications of deposition of potentialradiological contaminants. Soil samples wereanalyzed for gamma emitting radionuclides.Table 6-17 is provided to show the samplingresults of the radiological analysis of soils. Allradionuclides detected, with the exception ofcesium-137, are found naturally in Long Islandsoils. Higher levels of some of the radionu-clides, such as lead-212, lead-214, bismuth-214,and potassium-40, in some of the farm loca-tions are likely due to the addition of fertiliz-ers to soils for growing crops. Cesium-137concentrations were below 0.50 pCi/g (0.02Bq/g) at all locations. These levels are consid-ered to be background resulting from world-wide fallout from historic abovegroundnuclear weapons testing.

6.6 TOXICITY TESTING AT THE SEWAGE TREATMENTPLANT

Under the State Pollutant DischargeElimination System discharge permit, BNLconducted toxicity testing for the SewageTreatment Plant effluent. Two species of fishare evaluated - the fathead minnow (Pimephalespromelas) and the water flea (Ceriodaphniadubia). Results from this testing program arepresented in Chapter 3.

6.7 PRECIPITATION MONITORING

As part of the Environmental MonitoringProgram, precipitation samples were collectedapproximately quarterly at air monitoringStations P4 and S5 (see Chapter 4, Figure 4-4for station locations) and analyzed for radio-logical content. Four samples were taken fromeach of these two stations in 2000. Gross alpha

activity measurements above the minimumdetection limit were found in samples taken inAugust and November. The samples from theP4 location showed a maximum of 2.82 pCi/Lactivity, while the samples from the S5 locationhad a maximum activity level of 5.49 pCi/L.Both of these values are within the range ofhistoric values reported for gross alpha activity.Gross beta activity was measured in foursamples at each of the sampling locations.Location P4 had a maximum activity level of48.30 pCi/L, with an average of 16.87 pCi/L.Location S5 had a maximum of 87.00 pCi/L,with the average activity of 29.07 pCi/L. Grossbeta activity values were within the range ofvalues historically observed at these twolocations. Tritium was not detected in any ofthe samples from either location. Gammaanalysis of samples taken in April and Augustshowed the presence of beryllium-7 at a maxi-mum of 52.2 pCi/L at Station P4 in April and37.4 pCi/L in August at Station S5. Beryllium-7is a naturally occurring radionuclide resultingfrom solar flare activity.

6.8 WILDLIFE MANAGEMENT EDUCATION,OUTREACH, AND RESEARCH

BNL sponsors a variety of educational andoutreach activities on natural resources. Theseprograms are designed to provide an under-standing of the ecosystem and foster interest inscience. They are conducted at the Laboratoryin collaboration with DOE, local agencies,colleges, and local high schools. Ecologicalresearch is also conducted onsite to update thecurrent natural resources inventory, gain abetter understanding of the ecosystem, andguide management planning.

In 2000, the Environmental ServicesDivision (ESD) hosted two student fellowships,one during the spring and one during thesummer. Both students were from Puerto Ricoand both conducted research on the tigersalamander. The data gained from their studieshas furthered BNL’s understanding of thedistribution and reproductive success of thetiger salamanders located on BNL property.One of the students was also responsible forthe development of BNL’s Natural Resourceswebpage located at <http://www.bnl.gov/wildlife/> (see Figure 6-10). The informationprovided on this web page gives the reader abroad understanding of the natural resourcesfound at BNL.

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6-29 SITE ENVIRONMENTAL REPORT 2000

CHAPTER 6: NATURAL AND CULTURAL RESOURCES

In addition to hosting student fellowships,members of ESD and other departmentsvolunteer as speakers and give guest lectures atschools and civic groups. ESD also hostedactivities in association with the thirtiethAnniversary of Earth Day in 2000 and pro-vided activities to educate Laboratory employ-ees and the general public on the environmentand conservation. BNL hosted the FifthAnnual Pine Barrens Research Forum inOctober providing a venue for researchersconducting work on pine barrens ecosystemsto share their results and interact with eachother.

6.9 CULTURAL RESOURCE MANAGEMENT ACTIVITIES

The cultural resource management pro-gram is being developed to ensure that theLaboratory fully complies with the numerouscultural resource requirements. In 2000, BNLdeveloped a work plan that will guide thedevelopment of a formal Cultural ResourcesManagement Plan, that in turn will guide themanagement of all of BNL’s cultural resources.These resources include World War I trenches,Civilian Conservation Corps features such asthe white pine groves, World War II buildings,and historic structures associated with high-energy physics and other science conducted atthe Laboratory.

In 2000, BNL received concurrence fromthe New York State Historic PreservationOfficer (NYSHPO) that the BrookhavenGraphite Research Reactor (BGRR) Complexwas eligible for inclusion in the NationalRegister of Historic Places. Because thiscomplex is undergoing decontamination and

decommissioning, it is likely that somefeatures of this complex may be adverselyaffected by the decontamination and decom-missioning activities. Therefore, DOE andthe NYSHPO entered into a Memorandumof Agreement to mitigate the potentialnegative effects of the decontamination anddecommissioning process. This Memoran-dum of Agreement specifies the develop-ment of a history video about the BGRR, aresearchers guide, and, pending funding, aninteractive CD-ROM. The BGRR historyvideo and the archiving of BGRR relateddocuments began in 2000 and will continuein 2001.

Section 110 of the National HistoricPreservation Act requires that governmentagencies conduct surveys of their propertiesto identify those buildings, structures, andfeatures that are potentially eligible forinclusion in the National Register of His-toric Places. In 2000, BNL established acontract with the Institute for Long IslandArchaeology located at the State Universityof New York at Stony Brook to conduct abuilding-by-building survey of all 440buildings located at BNL. The results ofthis survey should be available early in 2001.

In the course of fieldwork related to thenatural resources program, additional WorldWar I trenches were identified. Thesetrenches were used as part of the trainingnecessary to prepare the American Expedi-tionary Forces for battle in Europe duringWorld War I. The trenches located at BNLmay be the only remaining training trenchesin the United States from that era.

BNL also began developing its SiteMaster Plan for future development at theLaboratory. As part of this plan an area wasselected for the development of a CampUpton Historic Museum Complex. Thiscomplex would house artifacts and build-ings from both World War I and World WarII Camp Upton, as well as information fromthe Civilian Conservation Corp. The pro-posed Camp Upton Historic MuseumComplex was formally recognized on No-vember 30, 2000 as a Save America’s Trea-sures project, which is a White HouseMillennium Council initiative. With thisdesignation, the project is eligible tocompete for matching funds in support ofits development.

Figure 6-10. Neftali Hernandez Presenting ESD’s NewNatural Resources Webpage.

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With the permanent shut down of theHigh Flux Beam Reactor (HFBR) in November1999, BNL began placing the reactor into asafe and secure shut down configuration. Aspart of this process, discussions began aboutthe significant scientific achievements theHFBR contributed to science, its uniquedesign, and its place in the BNL landscape. Asa result of these discussions, the High FluxBeam Reactor was thought to be of majorsignificance and the paperwork requiredunder Section 106 of the National HistoricPreservation Act was initiated to determinewhether this facility was eligible for inclusionin the National Register of Historic Places.The paperwork was being finalized for submis-sion to DOE at the close of 2000 and willlikely be submitted to the NYSHPO in 2001.

REFERENCES

BNL. 1999. Record of Decision: Operable Unit I andRadiologically Contaminated Soils. BNL/OU1/12.1/1-57 05-OCT-99. Brookhaven National Laboratory, Upton, NewYork. October 1999.

BNL. 2000. 1999 Site Environmental Report. BNL-52553.Brookhaven National Laboratory, Upton, New York.August 2000.

DOE-FWS. 2000. Interagency Agreement Number AI02-01CH1107 Between the U.S. Department of Interior U.S. Fish &Wildlife Service Long Island National Wildlife Refuge Complexand the U.S. Department of Energy Chicago Operations OfficeBrookhaven Group at the Brookhaven National Laboratory,Upton, New York. November 2000.

Dwyer, Norval. 1966. Brookhaven National Laboratory. LongIsland Forum (reprint), West Islip, New York.

IAEA. 1992. Effects of Ionizing Radiation on Plants and Animalsat Levels Implied by Current Radiation Protection Standards.Technical Report Series No. 332. International AtomicEnergy Agency, Vienna.

LMS. 1995. Phase II Sitewide Biological Inventory Report, Final.Lawler, Matusky & Skelly Engineers. Pearl River, New York.September 1995.

Naidu, J.R. 1999. Brookhaven National Laboratory WildlifeManagement Plan. BNL-52556. Brookhaven NationalLaboratory, Upton, New York. September 22, 1999.

NYSDOH. 1996. Radioactive Contamination in the PeconicRiver. Bureau of Environmental Radiation Protection, NewYork State Department of Health, Albany, New York.

NYSDOH. 1999. Deer Meat Contaminated with Cesium-137 atBrookhaven National Laboratory. Bureau of EnvironmentalRadiation Protection, New York State Department ofHealth, Albany, New York. March 1999.

Thomlinson, W. 1993. Deer Population Estimate for BNL Site.Summer Project Report. Brookhaven National Laboratory,Upton, New York. March 1993.