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Environment
Los Alamos scientists write in Physics Today about enabling largest superfund cleanup to date
September 1 — Two scientists at Los Alamos National Laboratory have published a feature article in the September issue of Physics Today.
Laboratory reports test-well data to Environment Department
July 7 — Los Alamos National Laboratory has reported to the New Mexico Environment Department the detection of trace amounts of an organic chemical in two perched groundwater bodies below Mortandad Canyon.
Sealed sources leave the Hill, destined for WIPP
August 17 — In the first shipment since May 2003, fourteen 55-gallon drums of radioactive sealed sources were shipped from storage at Los Alamos National Laboratory to the Waste Isolation Pilot Plant (WIPP) on Thursday, July 28.
Los Alamos National Laboratory organizations earn seven out of 13 NNSA Pollution Prevention Awards
February 9 — Los Alamos National Laboratory received seven, or more than half, of the 2005 Pollution Prevention (P2) Environmental Stewardship Awards given nationally by the National Nuclear Security Administration (NNSA).
Laboratory announces organizational changes
October 12 — As part of efforts to strengthen laboratory operations and the senior management team, Los Alamos National Laboratory Director George P. Nanos today announced a reorganization of his senior management team and the Laboratory's Operations Directorate. Effective October 13, 2004, the Operations Directorate will be split into two directorates that will provide enhanced services and functions to the Laboratory.
Laboratory receives preliminary notice of violation
June 25 — Los Alamos National Laboratory has received a Preliminary Notice of Violation (PNOV) for a safety-related incident that occurred last summer.
Los Alamos announces NEWNET changes
May 20 — Los Alamos National Laboratory officials today announced changes to the Northern New Mexico portion of the Neighborhood Environmental Watch Network, or NEWNET.
Lab receives Pollution Prevention awards
April 15 — Ambassador Linton Brooks, National Nuclear Security Administration administrator, presented 2004 NNSA Pollution Prevention Best-in-Class awards to two projects at Los Alamos National Laboratory on Thursday. The projects selected for recognition include revamping heavy equipment shop operations to eliminate persistent waste streams and the elimination of a hazardous chemical in the process to determine the nucleotide sequence of DNA.
Nanos statement regarding settlement of NMED Order
March 19 — Resolution of the jurisdictional and legal disputes associated with the original order is very welcome news. We look forward to strengthening our relationship with the New Mexico Environment Department, and to continuing the productive discussions I have had with Secretary Curry. We are eager to resume expedited clean-up of legacy wastes throughout the laboratory site just as soon as the impounded funds are released.
Los Alamos discloses improper PCB disposal
October 15 — Los Alamos National Laboratory officials today disclosed improper disposal of approximately one quart of liquid, low-level radioactive polychlorinated biphenyl oil that had been solidified through absorption and then disposed of at Area G within Technical Area 54 on Sept. 10, 2003. Area G is a low-level PCB contamination disposal facility; however, the oil was solidified contrary to Environmental Protection Agency regulations. Laboratory officials notified Region 6 EPA officials of the improper disposal on Oct. 10.
Edmonds addresses economic implications of climate change
September 23 — Experts believe that addressing global climate change is likely to involve a revolutionary transformation of the global energy system. In a seminar sponsored by Los Alamos National Laboratory's Energy and Environment Council and College of Santa Fe, economist and climate change expert Jae Edmonds will discuss some of the most promising technological solutions for climate change and the economic implications of applying environmentally-friendly energy technologies.
Laboratory licenses environmental monitor
September 4 — Los Alamos National Laboratory has licensed an environmental monitoring tool to Advanced Realtime Technologies (ART) LLC.
Amended complaint filed by the Regents of the University of California
September 30 — Los Alamos National Laboratory officials announced today that an amended complaint has been filed by The Regents of the University of California challenging the finding of endangerment signed by New Mexico Environment Department Secretary Peter Maggiore on May 2, 2002 as well as additional regulatory actions taken by the Department that are based on that finding, its accompanying draft order or associated legal principles.
Laboratory responds to NMED draft order
July 31 — Officials at the U.S. Department of Energy's Los Alamos National Laboratory today filed the laboratory's response to a draft order issued May 2 by the New Mexico Environment Department.
Protective appeals filed by the Regents of the University of California
June 3 — Los Alamos National Laboratory today announced that protective appeals have been filed by The Regents of the University of California regarding the "Determination Of An Imminent And Substantial Endangerment To Health And The Environment" signed by New Mexico Environment Department Secretary Peter Maggiore on May 2, 2002. The protective appeals were filed with the federal district court as well as with the New Mexico Court of Appeals, both in Santa Fe. The U. S. Attorney for New Mexico, on behalf of the Department of Energy, filed a similar appeal with the New Mexico Court of Appeals.
Laboratory issues statement on State Environment Department order for corrective action
May 1 — The Los Alamos National Laboratory today received a fact sheet associated with expected issuance of a draft order from the New Mexico Environment Department pursuant to the New Mexico Hazardous Waste Act. According to this fact sheet, the Department is asserting that past or present operations at the Laboratory"may result in an imminent and substantial endangerment to human health and the environment.
Green chemistry initiatives bearing fruit
March 24 — Recent initiatives by a consortium managed by the Department of Energy's Los Alamos National Laboratory have helped increase education, awareness and funding in green chemistry research worldwide.
Los Alamos and Surrey Satellite contract for Cibola flight experiment platform
March 10 — Los Alamos National Laboratory and Surrey Satellite Technology Limited (SSTL) announced today a contract agreement for development of an advanced satellite platform for ionospheric and lightning studies.
Cleaner chipmaking method uses carbon dioxide fluid
February 7 — Scientists at the Department of Energy's Los Alamos National Laboratory have developed a new technology application that could all but eliminate the use of hazardous corrosives and the production of wastewater in the fabrication of integrated circuits, or chips, for computers.
Superhenc to save millions in Colorado
October 25 — Los Alamos National Laboratory's SuperHENC waste characterization tool has been delivered to the Rocky Flats Environmental Technology Site (Rocky Flats) near Denver, Colorado.
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