Publications

The proposed action for this EA for Sandia National Laboratories/New Mexico Technical Area IV, includes continuing existing operations, modification of an existing accelerator (Particle Beam Fusion Accelerator II) to support defnese-related Z-pinch experiments, and construction of two transformer oil storage tanks to support the expansion of the Advanced Pulsed Power Research Module, a single pulse accelerator. Based on the analyses in the EA, DOE believes that the proposed action is not a major federal action significantly affecting the quality of the human environment within the meaning of NEPA and CEQ NEPA implementing regulations in 40 CFR 1508.18 and 1508.27. Therefore, an environmental impact statement is not required, and a Finding of No Significant Impact is issued.

This report describes the Training and Qualification Program at the Simulation Technology Laboratory (STL). The main facility at STL is Hermes III, a twenty megavolt accelerator which is used to test military hardware for vulnerability to gamma-rays. The facility is operated and maintained by a staff of twenty engineers and technicians. This program is designed to ensure that these personnel are adequately trained and qualified to perform their jobs in a safe and efficient manner. Copies of actual documents used in the program are included in appendices. This program meets all the requirements for training and qualification in the DOE Orders on Conduct of Operations and Quality Assurance, and may be useful to other organizations desiring to come into compliance with these orders.

Upon becoming Secretary of the Department of Energy (DOE), Admiral Watkins first pledged to Congress that he would clean-up'' the nuclear weapons production complexes and then initiated many changes in the way DOE facilities are operated. He generated new orders regarding environments, safety, and health and created investigation units called Tiger Teams'' to check on how well his orders were being followed. During the spin-up of this massive undertaking, DOE decided to include all its facilities and not just the ones involved in nuclear production. This resulted in research and development labs, such as Lawrence Livermore, Los Alamos, and Sandia National Laboratories being subjected to more stringent regulations. This paper addresses the action Sandia National Laboratories has taken during the past year, particularly in regard to its pulsed-power accelerators, to come into compliance with the new DOE orders. 2 tabs.

Proto II is a nominal 8 terawatt pulsed accelerator which is available for x-ray effects testing. The purpose of this guide is to serve as a basic source of information for prospective users of Proto II. Enclosed is a discussion of the design and operation of the accelerator and a summary of x-ray environmental data. The guide also contains a description of experimental support facilities, data acquisition and analysis systems and general information for users. 4 refs., 22 figs., 5 tabs.

Hermes III is a 20-megavolt, 15-terawatt, pulsed accelerator which is available for gamma-ray testing. The purpose of this guide is to serve as a basic source of information for prospective users of Hermes III. Included is a brief discussion of the design and operation of the accelerator and a summary of gamma-ray environmental data. The guide also contains a description of experimental support facilities, data acquisition and analysis systems and general information for users. 6 refs., 16 figs.