Categorical Exclusion Determination
Office of NEPA Policy and Compliance
September 1, 2015
Estimated Read Time min
Environmental Checklist (EC) INL-15-054 (Overarching [OA] 18) approved small-scale preparation and purification of fluoride salt mixtures at Idaho National Laboratory's (INL's) Bonneville County Technology Center (BCTC) in Idaho Falls. Purification of the salt mixtures is accomplished by hydrofluorination using hydrogen fluoride (HF) gas which is purchased and stored in a gas cylinder. The cylinder needs to be stored in a vented cylinder enclosure to ensure personnel safety. The purpose of this EC is to perform laboratory modifications at the BCTC in bays 8/9. The modifications include installing the enclosure, a stack through the roof, and a stack fan which are needed to vent unexpected and off-normal leaks from the HF cylinder. The stationary stack will not be the source of routine emissions. Routine emissions from the research and development (R&D) process are covered under Air Permit Applicability Determination (APAD) INL-15-009.