Summary
The National Nuclear Security Administration (NNSA), a semi-autonomous agency within the Department of Energy (DOE), prepared a Site-Wide Environmental Impact Statement for Continued Operation of the Los Alamos National Laboratory (LANL SWEIS) (DOE/EIS-0552) in compliance with the National Environmental Policy Act of 1969.
The LANL SWEIS analyzes three alternatives: (1) No-Action, (2) Modernized Operations, and (3) Expanded Operations. Under the No-Action Alternative, NNSA would continue current operations throughout LANL, including: decontamination, decommissioning, and demolition (DD&D) projects; legacy cleanup; and environmental remediation.
The Modernized Operations Alternative includes the scope of the No-Action Alternative plus additional modernization activities, including construction of replacement facilities; upgrades to existing facilities, utilities, and infrastructure; and DD&D projects.
The Expanded Operations Alternative includes the actions proposed under the Modernized Operations Alternative plus actions that would expand operations and missions to respond to future national security challenges and meet increasing requirements. This alternative includes construction and operation of new facilities that would expand capabilities at LANL beyond those that currently exist.