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All sourcesNASA NTRSDOE OSTI
DOE OSTI2020

Multi-Mechanism Flood Hazard Assessment: Critical Review of Current Practice and Approaches

This report documents the initial findings from the Nuclear Regulatory commission (NRC)-sponsored research project Methods for Estimating Joint Probabilities of Coincident and Correlated Flooding Mechanisms for Nuclear Power Plant Flood Hazard Assessments.1 This research project is a part of NRC’s Probabilistic Flood Hazard Assessment (PFHA) Research Program and will aid the development of guidance on the use of PFHA methods to evaluate infrastructure safety for existing and proposed US nuclear power plants (NPPs). More specifically, this project intends to provide technical background for the development of flood hazard curves for multi-mechanism floods (MMFs). MMFs are flood events caused by more than one flooding mechanism (e.g., flood events due to the simultaneous occurrence of precipitation-induced river flooding and storm surge). Project activities include three main tasks: Task 1—Survey of current concepts and methods in assessing MMF hazards; Task 2—Critical assessment of selected methods and approaches for quantifying probabilistic MMF hazard risk; Task 3—Development of example case studies to illustrate best practices for quantifying probabilistic MMF hazard risk The initial findings from Tasks 1 and 2 are documented in this report. Task 1 comprised a survey of approaches and methods that have been applied to understand and assess flood hazards due to MMFs. Task 2 involved a critical review of the selected approaches and methods. To that end, the scope of this report includes documentation of (1) a reconnaissance-level survey of the current state of concepts and practice for MMF hazard assessment; (2) a generalized MMF assessment framework to address the distinctions among various types of flood-forcing phenomena, flood mechanisms (grouped into three mechanism types), and flood severity metrics; (3) a wide-ranging survey of approaches and methods that have been applied to various flooding phenomena and settings; and (4) a critical assessment of MMF hazard assessment methods. Studies were identified involving MMFs related to coastal flooding mechanisms, fluvial (rivers/streams) flooding mechanisms, and associated combinations of coastal and fluvial flooding mechanisms. Studies were also identified that address MMFs involving coastal and fluvial flooding mechanisms as well as coastal flooding mechanisms along with extreme precipitation (without specific attribution to fluvial or pluvial mechanisms). The studies identified for review in this report included assessments at varying spatial scales (from local to global) with differing geographic regions of focus using both observed and synthetic data. The majority of studies identified and reviewed were site-specific assessments focusing on relatively short return periods. Studies considered a range of flood severity metrics, made differing assumptions regarding the occurrence of extrema, and used multiple statistical techniques; the use of copulas for the development of joint distributions was a particularly popular analysis technique. The literature review highlighted the differences among existing studies relative to terminology used, means of presenting results, framework and techniques employed, and level of sophistication regarding the number and types of variables considered. Despite the significant diversity in existing studies, the review identified several promising techniques that will be considered in future work under this project, including the development of joint distributions for MMFs using copula and Bayesian-motivated approaches.

98 NUCLEAR DISARMAMENT, SAFEGUARDS, AND PHYSICAL P↗
NASA NTRS1993

A direct evaluation of the Geosat altimeter wet atmospheric range delay using very long baseline interferometry observations

The overall accuracy of the U.S. Navy Geosat altimeter wet atmospheric range delay caused by refraction through the atmosphere is directly assessed by comparing the estimates made from the DMSP Special Sensor Microwave/Imager and the U.S. Navy Fleet Numerical Ocean Center forecast model for Geosat with measurements of total zenith columnar water vapor content from four VLBI sites. The assessment is made by comparing time series of range delay from various methods at each location. To determine the importance of diurnal variation in water vapor content in noncoincident estimates, the VLBI measurements were made at 15-min intervals over a few days. The VLBI measurements showed strong diurnal variations in columnar water vapor at several sites, causing errors of the order 3 cm rms in any noncoincident measurement of the wet troposphere range delay. These errors have an effect on studies of annual and interannual changes in sea level with Geosat data.

Koblinsky, C. J.↗
NASA NTRS1981

ERRSAC contributions to the search for Appalachian hydrocarbons

The utility of lineaments identified on LANDSAT imagery as an exploration tool in the search for hydrocarbons within three Appalachian test sites were assessed. The optimum LANDSAT imagery enhancement technique for displaying lineaments was identified. The LANDSAT lineament data were analyzed and results were correlated with oil and gas field information for each of three tests sites. Good correlations were found for several states. Successful techniques can be incorporated into a broader exploration model.

Blodget, H. W.↗
DOE OSTI2025

Accumulation of trace elements in soil and fauna within a site historically contaminated with coal combustion residues

Legacy contaminants tied to energy production are a worldwide concern. Coal combustion residues (CCRs) contain high concentrations of potentially toxic trace elements such as arsenic (As), mercury (Hg), and selenium (Se), which can persist for decades after initial contamination. Coal combustion residue disposal methods, including aquatic settling basins and landfills, can facilitate environmental exposure through intentional and accidental releases. Wildlife exposed to CCRs can experience numerous deleterious effects, such as on development, reproduction, and survival. In the current study, we quantified and compared concentrations of As, Hg, Se, and strontium (Sr) within soils and target fauna (three vertebrate and three invertebrate taxa) from a CCR-contaminated site and a reference site within the U.S. Department of Energy’s Savannah River Site, South Carolina, United States. Our objectives were to (1) compare current concentrations of tested elements in soil and resident fauna to levels from our reference site, (2) assess natural attenuation of elements in soils by comparing current concentrations to historic levels, and (3) evaluate the biomagnification potential of the elements measured via body burden and trophic position correlations among fauna. Here, element concentrations were higher in contaminated soils than reference soils; however, concentrations in 2022 were unchanged from concentrations measured in 2003, suggesting no natural attenuation of tested elements. Additionally, target fauna had elevated As, Se, and Sr levels in comparison to reference samples. A positive correlation was observed in southern toads between Sr concentrations and trophic position, as assessed by nitrogen stable isotope ratios, suggesting potential for biomagnification of Sr within our study system. Collectively, our results demonstrate that legacy contaminants are still present and bioaccumulate in a diversity of taxa in a CCR-contaminated site that has not received effluents in more than 50 years, suggesting monitoring programs in CCR-contaminated sites should be maintained long term in the absence of remediation.

63 RADIATION, THERMAL, AND OTHER ENVIRON. POLLUTAN↗
DOE OSTI2026

Biorefinery siting and sizing to achieve the US Billion‐Ton Bioeconomy vision: A case study using a gasification–Fischer–Tropsch process

Achieving a secure, abundant, and affordable energy future requires a robust and adaptable energy strategy, with bioenergy playing a pivotal role. Biomass-based energy presents a promising pathway to use domestic resources while fostering economic opportunities in rural areas. Despite the potential to source more than 1 billion dry short tons of biomass annually in the US, significant infrastructure and economic barriers hinder full utilization for energy production. This study used the Biofuel Infrastructure, Logistics, and Transportation (BILT) model to assess biorefinery siting and scale and determine the number and size of facilities required to maximize use of the US biomass potential. A spatially agnostic approach first assessed the effects of facility capacity and transportation constraints on biomass use. Then, a spatially explicit analysis integrated county-level biomass availability from the US Department of Energy's 2023 Billion-Ton Report and technoeconomic assessments to evaluate different biorefinery deployment scenarios. The results indicate that an optimized mix of facility sizes is essential to leverage biomass resources fully across varying regional production densities to maximize use of the US biomass potential. Larger biorefineries or co-located smaller facilities significantly enhance biomass use while reducing costs through economies of scale. These findings underscore the importance of strategically balancing facility capacity and spatial distribution to optimize the bioenergy supply chain. In conclusion, this study provides critical insights for advancing the US bioenergy economy by aligning biorefinery deployment with biomass resource availability and economic viability.

BILT Model↗
NASA NTRS2023

Decommissioning of Air Sparge System at Vertical Processing Facility, Solid Waste Management Unit 077 Implementation Report

This document discusses the decommissioning of the air sparge (AS) system at the Vertical Processing Facility (VPF), Solid Waste Management Unit 077 at Kennedy Space Center, Florida completed between January 30, 2023, and February 8, 2023. A 2005 Resource Conservation and Recovery Act Facility Investigation identified chlorinated volatile organic compound impacts at the site. Following assessment activities, an AS system was in operation intermittently from April 2012 through October 2017, when the system was permanently shutdown due to equipment failure. Trichloroethene and vinyl chloride remained above their groundwater cleanup target levels in several monitoring wells and the site was moved into the Industrial Area Long Term Monitoring Program. VPF continues to be sampled biennially; the most recent event was May 2022. Successful implementation of this decommissioning project will reduce the risk of accidental AS and soil vapor extraction well damage and will lower operating costs associated with maintaining obsolete AS systems. Decommissioning the AS system at VPF included vegetation clearing to access AS wells and associated piping, abandonment of all on site AS wells, temporary electrical outage, and site restoration. At the completion of demobilization and site restoration activities, the site was returned to its original or better than original condition.

Jason J Bublitz↗
DOE OSTI2021

Energy and Water Resilience Indicator Library

Energy and water resilience indicators provide a way to assess a site’s current energy and water resilience status relative to higher-level organizational goals. Using a consistent approach for evaluating the resilience posture of a portfolio of sites provides a mechanism for an organization to track progress over time. It also provides a mechanism for identifying opportunity areas across sites so that organizations can prioritize funding of measures that would benefit multiple sites. The information presented in this document provides an approach to defining energy and water resilience indicators that align with organizational goals, and a reference library of indicators that can help organizations create their own process of tracking the resilience performance of their sites over time.

29 ENERGY PLANNING, POLICY, AND ECONOMY↗
DOE OSTI2024

Unveiling Highly Sensitive Active Site in Atomically Dispersed Gold Catalysts for Enhanced Ethanol Dehydrogenation

Developing a desirable ethanol dehydrogenation process necessitates a highly efficient and selective catalyst with low cost. Herein, we show that the “complex active site” consisting of atomically dispersed Au atoms with the neighboring oxygen vacancies (Vo) and undercoordinated cation on oxide supports can be prepared and display unique catalytic properties for ethanol dehydrogenation. The “complex active site” Au–Vo–Zr 3+ on Au 1 /ZrO 2 exhibits the highest H 2 production rate, with above 37,964 mol H 2 per mol Au per hour (385 g H 2 $\text{g}^{-1}_{\text{Au}} \text{h}^{–1}$) at 350 °C, which is 3.32, 2.94 and 15.0 times higher than Au 1 /CeO 2 , Au 1 /TiO 2 , and Au 1 /Al 2 O 3 , respectively. Combining experimental and theoretical studies, we demonstrate the structural sensitivity of these complex sites by assessing their selectivity and activity in ethanol dehydrogenation. Our study sheds new light on the design and development of cost-effective and highly efficient catalysts for ethanol dehydrogenation. Fundamentally, atomic-level catalyst design by colocalizing catalytically active metal atoms forming a structure-sensitive “complex site”, is a crucial way to advance from heterogeneous catalysis to molecular catalysis. Finally, our study advanced the understanding of the structure sensitivity of the active site in atomically dispersed catalysts.

37 INORGANIC, ORGANIC, PHYSICAL, AND ANALYTICAL CH↗
DOE OSTI2024

Unveiling Highly Sensitive Active Site in Atomically Dispersed Gold Catalysts for Enhanced Ethanol Dehydrogenation

Developing a desirable ethanol dehydrogenation process necessitates a highly efficient and selective catalyst with low cost. Herein, we show that the “complex active site” consisting of atomically dispersed Au atoms with the neighboring oxygen vacancies (Vo) and undercoordinated cation on oxide supports can be prepared and display unique catalytic properties for ethanol dehydrogenation. The “complex active site” Au-Vo-Zr 3+ on Au 1 /ZrO 2 exhibits the highest H 2 production rate, with above 37,964 mol H 2 per mol Au per hour (385 g H 2 $g^{-1}_{Au}$ h -1 ) at 350 °C, which is 3.32, 2.94 and 15.0 times higher than Au 1 /CeO 2 , Au 1 /TiO 2 , and Au 1 /Al 2 O 3 , respectively. Combining experimental and theoretical studies, we demonstrate the structural sensitivity of these complex sites by assessing their selectivity and activity in ethanol dehydrogenation. Our study sheds new light on the design and development of cost-effective and highly efficient catalysts for ethanol dehydrogenation. Fundamentally, atomic-level catalyst design by colocalizing catalytically active metal atoms forming a structure-sensitive “complex site”, is a crucial way to advance from heterogeneous catalysis to molecular catalysis. In conclusion, our study advanced the understanding of the structure sensitivity of the active site in atomically dispersed catalysts.

37 INORGANIC, ORGANIC, PHYSICAL, AND ANALYTICAL CH↗
DOE OSTI2025

Descriptor: High Temporal Resolution Meteorological Data at Oak Ridge Reservation (ORR-HiResMet)

Access to continuous, quality assessed meteorological data is critical for understanding the climatology and atmospheric dynamics of a region. Research facilities like Oak Ridge National Laboratory (ORNL) rely on such data to assess site-specific climatology, model potential emissions, establish safety baselines, and prepare for emergency scenarios. To meet these needs, on-site towers at ORNL collect meteorological data at 15-minute and hourly intervals. However, data measurements from meteorological towers are affected by sensor sensitivity, degradation, lightning strikes, power fluctuations, glitching, and sensor failures, all of which can affect data quality. To address these challenges, we conducted a comprehensive quality assessment and processing of five years of meteorological data collected from ORNL at 15-minute intervals, including measurements of temperature, pressure, humidity, wind, and solar radiation. The time series of each variable was pre-processed and gap-filled using established meteorological data collection and cleaning techniques, i.e., the time series were subjected to structural standardization, data integrity testing, automated and manual outlier detection, and gap-filling. The data product and highly generalizable processing workflow developed in Python Jupyter notebooks are publicly accessible online. As a key contribution of this study, the evaluated 5-year data will be used to train atmospheric dispersion models that simulate dispersion dynamics across the complex ridge-and-valley topography of the Oak Ridge Reservation in East Tennessee.

Steckler, Morgan R. [Oak Ridge National Laboratory↗
DOE OSTI2022

Techno-Economic Analysis Using REopt for Community Solar on Multifamily Affordable Housing Properties [Slides]

Multifamily affordable housing (MFAH) providers can identify and prioritize properties in their portfolios for which community solar development is feasible by following portfolio screening steps in a process outlined by NREL. Once MFAH providers have identified the most feasible sites, they can conduct more detailed analyses for a select number of sites to assess how distributed energy resources such as solar plus storage can help them meet their goals. The step is completed using NREL's REopt (https://reopt.nrel.gov/tool), a free techno-economic optimization model that determines DER sizes and dispatch strategies that minimize the life cycle cost of energy at a site. This presentation describes how to perform this step using REopt to help MFAH providers answer questions such as: What size solar PV system will result in the most energy bill savings at this site? What size solar-plus-storage system would be needed to power critical loads through a utility grid outage? What is the financial impact of rate switching, net metering, and/or meter aggregation? What percentage of the site's load can be offset with renewable energy? What are the emissions benefits of this renewable generation?

14 SOLAR ENERGY↗
NASA NTRS1991

Optical space-to-ground link availability assessment and diversity requirements

The application of optical space-to-ground links (SGLs) for high speed data distribution from geosynchronous and low earth orbiting satellites (e.g., sensor data from the planned Earth Observing System), for lunar and Mars links, and for links from interplanetary probes has been a topic of considerable recent interest. These optical SGLs could conceivably represent the system's operational baseline, or could represent backup links in the event of a GEO relay terminal failure. In this paper the availability of optical SGLs for various system/orbit configurations is considered. Single CONUS sites are assessed for their probability of cloud free line of sight (PCFLOS), and cloud free field of view (PCFFOV). PCFLOS represents an availability metric for geosynchronous platforms, while PCFFOV is a relevant performance metric for non-geostationary platforms (e.g., low earth orbiting satellites). Additionally, the availability of multiple ground terminals utilized in a diversity configuration is considered. Availability statistics vs. the number of diversity sites are derived from climatological data bases for CONUS sites.

Chapman, William↗
DOE OSTI2021

Coal-dependent Communities in Transition: Identifying Best Practices to Ensure Equitable Outcomes

The U.S. coal industry is experiencing a sharp increase in the numbers of retired and/or decommissioned coal-fired power plants across the U.S. In the years between 2010-2019, around 102 gigawatts (GW) of coal-fired generating capacity has been announced to be decommissioned, representing more than 546 coal-fired power plant units, and an additional 17 GW is planned to be decommissioned by 2025. This change in the energy production landscape presents an impact on the social, environmental, and economic prospects of coal-dependent communities. This report examined the role of communities in the coal power plant decommissioning process and provided community-identified best practices to ensure an equitable process. The experiences of four coal-dependent communities—Wise County, VA, Muskegon, MI, Anderson County, TN, and Becker, MN—are presented as case studies to understand the impacts of the decommissioning process, and associated best practices, from the communities’ perspective. The report results highlight the need to recognize that the decommissioning decision-making process must be community-based to be equitable. Each community’s input is key to the transition away from coal power because there is no one-size-fits-all development plan. In other words, each community’s trajectory through the decommissioning process—from the retirement decision-making stage to the final site redevelopment phase—is unique because each community has distinct needs and wants from the energy transition. What is best for one community may not be suited for another. Ultimately, the framework for site development and community revitalization post-decommissioning cannot be universal because each community’s profile—from a social, cultural, and economic perspective—is different. Community impacts of power plant decommissioning are not limited to job and revenue losses. Communities are likely to be impacted culturally, socially, environmentally, and have long-term health-based impacts that should be acknowledged and addressed in post-retirement plans. Commonly identified decommissioning best practices include: Early and continued engagement throughout, with a number of mediums for communication and feedback (e.g., in-person sessions, virtual meetings, written comment opportunities); Early planning of post-decommissioning projects to replace lost jobs, revenue, and economic activity; Recognition (and mitigation, if possible) of social impacts on the community due to plant closure; Transparency throughout the process, with trusted information being provided about the decommissioning process and timeline; potential impacts on the workforce, economy, and environment; and the feasibility of alternative site uses; Identification of funding sources, technical experts, and/or strategic partnerships to support decommissioning and the affected communities upfront; and, Acknowledgment of communities as stakeholders who have a role in the conversation and right to determine their futures. Three key areas for assisting coal-dependent communities affected by the energy transition: Technical assistance: assessment of site feasibility for alternative uses or to repower with new technologies; Cross-partnership engagement and collaboration: facilitate knowledge-sharing of “lessons learned” about the decommissioning process between communities and provide guidance for decision-making processes; and, Financial assistance: access to grant and/or loan programs to assist with redevelopment survey, bolster community economic security through job creation, and cover environmental clean-up costs. Technical assistance, cross-partnership engagement, and financial aid can be mobilized to help communities throughout various stages of the decommissioning process, including the retirement decision, the site reclamation phase, and eventual revitalization of the site and surrounding community.

01 COAL, LIGNITE, AND PEAT↗
DOE OSTI2025

EVI-EnSitePy (Electric Vehicle Infrastructure – Energy Estimation and Site Optimization Tool in Python) [EVI-X Modeling Suite] [SWR-25-07]

EVI-EnSitePy is a comprehensive agent-based tool designed for the analysis and design of high-power charging sites, encompassing a wide array of site agents including Electric Vehicles (EVs), chargers, energy storage units (ESS), renewable energy resources (DER), and loads. This versatile tool offers diverse functionalities and a modular modeling approach, allowing detailed configuration of agents based on power ratings, port numbers, energy capacities, demand requirements, charger interfaces, and flexibility to customize the tool for project specific goals. By simulating agent interactions and employing various metrics, EVI-EnSitePy enables the assessment of site performance, exploration of energy management systems (EMS), and implementation of innovative EV charging policies. Utilizing EV charge schedules and arrival states, the tool performs thorough charging site simulations, with outputs consisting of agent and site-level power profiles and statistical metrics. Employing a tree graph structure, EVI-EnSitePy supports nested site structures and power distribution modeling. The tool's ability to generate charging schedules deterministically or via stochastic analysis further enhances its versatility. Through its features and capabilities, EVI-EnSitePy offers a powerful platform for informed decision-making in the realm of high-power charging site design and operation.

Jackson, Derek [National Renewable Energy Laborato↗
DOE OSTI2022

Identifying Opportunities and Recommendations for the Integration of Advanced Reactors for Industrial Heat and Electricity Users

Nuclear power in the United States has been used traditionally to provide baseload electric power to the grid. Advancements in nuclear power to create smaller and safer reactors have renewed interest in nuclear as a source of both heat and electricity for a variety of applications. There is great interest in coupling nuclear reactors with industrial applications because nuclear power is a low carbon energy source that can be utilized for process heating, hydrogen generation, on-site electricity demand, and more. Idaho National Laboratory is developing guidelines to identify and assist industrial heat and electricity decarbonization by integrating with nuclear power plants (NPPs) to provide clean, abundant, and dispatchable energy. Considerations include specific industrial hazards which impact NPP siting, heat transport requirements and associated technologies, and implementation feasibility based on site-specific demand profiles. To assess integration feasibility, facility process models are developed based on real data obtained from a survey of baseline requirements and process information from industrial facilities in the United States. An assessment of safety and siting requirements is also performed to determine how nuclear industrial pairings could meet licensing requirements for NPPs. In addition, site characterization of an industrial plant is essential to determining the feasibility and suitable integration methods for each industry. Characterization includes facility distance from the nearest population center, site size, rail or water transport availability, and proximity to undeveloped land. These characteristics are important to determine reactor- or industry-side design requirements for safe, efficient operation. The siting and technical data assessment will reveal opportunities for single-use nuclear integration and co-location opportunities for industries to share benefits from a single reactor. In addition to existing facilities, this “energy-park” style cooperation could include new construction like data centers which can cost-share energy investments or provide a stable demand-and-revenue stream to the investor. Deliverables will contain a library of documents and models to guide various industries toward understanding nuclear technologies based on their users’ needs. This paper is a summary of the current project status, and provides insights on suitable pairings for specific industries and reactor technologies

22 GENERAL STUDIES OF NUCLEAR REACTORS↗
DOE OSTI2020

Soil organic carbon accumulation rates on Mediterranean abandoned agricultural lands

Secondary succession on abandoned agricultural lands can produce climate change mitigation co-benefits, such as soil carbon sequestration. However, the accumulation of soil organic carbon (SOC) in Mediterranean regions has been difficult to predict and is subject to multiple environmental and land management factors. Gains, losses, and no significant changes have all been reported. Here we compile chronosequence data (n = 113) from published studies and new field sites to assess the response of SOC to agricultural land abandonment in peninsular Spain. In this work we found an overall SOC accumulation rate of +2.3% yr -1 post-abandonment. SOC dynamics are highly variable and context-dependent. Minimal change occurs on abandoned cereal croplands compared to abandoned woody croplands (+4% yr -1 ). Accumulation is most prevalent within a Goldilocks climatic window of ~13–17 °C and ~450–900 mm precipitation, promoting >100% gains after three decades. Our secondary forest field sites accrued 40.8 Mg C ha -1 (+172%) following abandonment and displayed greater SOC and N depth heterogeneity than natural forests demonstrating the long-lasting impact of agriculture. Although changes in regional climate and crop types abandoned will impact future carbon sequestration, abandonment remains a low-cost, long-term natural climate solution best incorporated in tandem with other multipurpose sustainable land management strategies.

54 ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCES↗
DOE OSTI2026

Enhancing climate-smart crop performance in arid agrivoltaics systems: effects of photovoltaic shading and soil amendments on tepary bean growth, yield, and associated soil microbiome

As climate change expands the world’s arid and semiarid regions, sustainable systems that integrate food and energy production are becoming increasingly critical. Agrivoltaics—co-locating crops with photovoltaic (PV) panels—offers a dual land-use strategy that mitigates environmental stress by shading crops, conserving soil moisture, and enhancing PV efficiency. While climate-smart crops like the tepary bean ( Phaseolus acutifolius ) are well adapted to heat and drought, little is known about how these crops and their associated soil microbiomes respond to the unique microclimates created by PV shading. This study evaluated tepary bean performance and plant–microbial interactions under PV-shade vs. no shade across three soil amendment treatments at two experimental sites. We assessed plant traits including germination, phenology, biomass, height, as well as yield and bean morphology, alongside shifts in soil microbial composition and functional potential. Plants grown under PV-shade were generally taller, with extended reproductive periods and higher yields: 42% of shaded plants produced beans compared to only 8% under full sun. Shaded plants also produced rounder, higher-quality beans, whereas non-shaded plants yielded flatter, less developed beans. Microbial community composition was more strongly influenced by amendment and site conditions than by shading alone. Key microbial taxa (e.g., Glomeromycetes, Desulfobacterota ) and predicted functions (e.g., denitrification, nitrogen-respiration, sulfate reduction) were associated with differences in plant performance. Finally, combining agrivoltaic systems with targeted soil amendments can enhance crop yield and soil microbial functionality—offering a promising strategy for sustainable agriculture in arid landscapes.

14 SOLAR ENERGY↗
DOE OSTI2020

Regulatory Decision-Making Process Using 'Weight of Evidence: An Evidence Integration Approach' by the State of Washington at the Hanford Site - 20163

Performance Assessment and Environmental Impact Statement Modeling, Human and Ecological Risk Assessments are the tools used by the Washington State Department of Ecology (Ecology) to make regulatory decisions for permitting and cleanup. These efforts all inherently have large amounts of uncertainty no matter how many alternative approaches are attempted. Professional feedback from tribal governments, stakeholders, federal and state regulators, the public and independent peer review groups are taken into account in this process of informed decision making. The process also includes full evaluation of the comments and the associated reviews made by the various peer review groups such as the Low -Level Waste Disposal Facility Federal Review Group (DOE order 435.1) and the Nuclear Regulatory Commission (NRC). The evolution of technology has produced quicker and more efficient fate and transport modeling tools with related quantification of uncertainties and their significance. Groundwater and vadose zone models have been expanded across the entire Hanford site. Many of the technical approaches identified in the Washington State Regulations are updated using current knowledge to better understand the complexities of the Hanford Site using the latest state of the art tools for risk assessment and modeling. More emphasis and time are directed on defining uncertainty and then managing the uncertainty. One added tool is to run sensitivity cases based on informed decision making. The weight of evidence approach considers all relevant information in an integrative assessment that takes into account the kinds of evidence available, the quality and quantity, the uncertainty and error associated with each type, and how they fit together. Evidence of integration involves looking at systematic reviews and evaluating their strengths and weaknesses. In conclusion, Ecology, Washington State's lead regulatory agency at the Hanford site, has had to modify its site closure approach compared to the rest of the state. A more holistic approach dealing with the Hanford site as an integrated system has evolved leading to a defensible informed approach for regulatory closure decisions. (authors)

12 MANAGEMENT OF RADIOACTIVE AND NON-RADIOACTIVE W↗