3.  How the Water Baseline Study Was Structured

We began by researching what data existed already, and what data was still needed for our purposes.  Since the Yucca Mountain Repository is only in research phase, the only reason to test for Yucca Mountain-specific contamination now is to establish baseline data. There would be no reason to expect that such contaminants existed in the region.  We found that prior studies did not generally reflect the level of water chemistry detail we needed to establish data on specific markers for identifying site-specific contaminants far in the future. (See Section 8).  It is our hope that our data can enhance the data collected by many other agencies.

Through laboratory analysis of samples from eight domestic wells and two springs, we established some detailed baseline data about groundwater chemistry immediately down gradient of the mountain.  We were able to compare some data with past studies, to draw broader conclusions about the overall regional water chemistry (see Section 10.4).  We especially focused on areas already inhabited and farmed for food production.  This will be important in the future for comparison, and to calculate risk and exposure, should radioactive or other toxic releases ever occur. 

3.1  The Study Followed These Basic Steps

1.      Develop an overall understanding of the region’s geology, hydrology, habitat and human use through site visits (the entire team, January 2005).

2.      Conduct extensive background research of existing studies and literature.

3.      Identify the most likely water flow pathways for carrying contaminants.

4.      Identify all potential contamination sources and determine the best water sampling sites.

5.      Identify what analytes are most important to sample for:

                                                  i.      key isotopic constituents and daughter products that are most likely to remain from nuclear testing in the Pahute Mesa area of the Nevada Test Site;

                                                ii.      constituents that may have traveled off-site from the US Ecology low-level nuclear waste area;

                                              iii.      isotopic constituents and daughter products most likely to escape containment from the Yucca Mountain Repository system; 

                                              iv.      toxic metal contaminants that would be released as the stainless steel and nickel-based Alloy-22 nuclear waste packaging canisters deteriorate.

6.      Identify and approach local residents interested in providing access to collect water samples from domestic wells.  Collect initial well and site data and anecdotal reports.

7.      Locate reliable independent laboratories with the capacity for conducting advanced isotopic testing.  Determine correct EPA and DOE protocols, and any requirements of the NRC Yucca Mountain licensing process.

8.      Acquire correct field equipment and sample collection bottles, shipping procedure instructions, and forms.

9.      Identify sites using GPS equipment for future identification, since property owners’ names will change over time. 

10.  Conduct collection of field data and water samples, following all required protocols to ensure samples are representative of existing conditions.  Ship per laboratory specifications.

11.  Review all laboratory analysis results and prepare final report.

12.  Determine and fulfill distribution and archive plan for report and baseline data that will best inform current stakeholders, NGOs and agencies, and protect future generations.