The U.S. Department of Energy (DOE) issued a floodplain assessment for Establishing a Permanent Stoneyard Laydown Area at Technical Area 39.
Office of NEPA Policy and Compliance
July 17, 2026
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Floodplain Assessment for Establishing a Permanent Stoneyard Laydown Area at Technical Area 39; Los Alamos, NM
The National Nuclear Security Administration (NNSA), a semi-autonomous agency within the U.S. Department of Energy (DOE), is proposing a permanent staging or laydown area at Los Alamos National Laboratory (LANL) at Technical Area 39. The proposed project would re-designate a temporary concrete block storage area to establish a permanent outdoor storage area for new concrete shielding blocks and staging for concrete blocks that have reached their end of life, have been appropriately screened, and are pending recycling. The proposed permanent project footprint is approximately 0.40 acres (17,230 square feet) within the Ancho Canyon 100-year floodplain include concrete shielding block storage and maintaining the area with minimal vegetation. The proposed project would result in limited and minor direct and indirect long-term impact to the 100-year floodplain but would not result in adverse impacts to the floodplain values or functions.
The 15-day public comment period ends on August 4, 2026. Please provide comments on this Floodplain Assessment to Karen Armijo:
- Email: Karen.Armijo@nnsa.doe.gov
- Mail: U.S. Department of Energy
- Los Alamos Field Office
- Attn: Karen Armijo
- 3747 West Jemez Road
- Los Alamos, NM 87544
After the close of the public comment period and prior to issuing a floodplain statement of findings, DOE/NNSA will reevaluate the practicability of alternatives to the proposed floodplain action, mitigating measures, and take into account all substantive comments received during the public comment period. DOE/NNSA will endeavor to allow 15 days of public review prior to implementation of the proposed action.