SCH Number 1999072047

Project Info

Title

Transfer of McClellan Nuclear Radiation Center to UC Davis

Description

In accordance with the California Environmental Quality Act (CEQA) (Public Resources Code 2100 et seq.), the CEQA Guidelines (Title 14 Code of Regulations Section 1500 et seq.), and the University of California Procedures for Implementation of CEQA, an Initial Study for the above-named project was prepared that identifies and evaluates the environmental impacts of the project. The United States Air Force (USAF) currently operates a 2.3-megawatt research nuclear reactor at the McClellan Nuclear Radiation Center (MNRC) on McClellan Air Force Base (AFB) in Sacramento, Sacramento County, California. As part of the ongoing closure of McClellan AFB, a project has been proposed to transfer ownership and operation of the MNRC from the USAF to UC Davis. The MNRC is in Building 258 on the east side of the main north-south runway on McClellan AFB approximately 3,000 feet west of Watt Avenue and 4,500 feet north of E Street. The reactor has been in operation for approximately 9 years. This project would allow continued operation of the TRIGA reactor for at least its original design life of 30 years. Unlike a typical 1500-3000 megawatt power reactor, which is design to maximize heat production, the 2.3-megawatt MNRC research reactor is designed to produce neutrons for commercial and experimental uses. Under operation by the USAF, the reactor is used for neutron radiography (an imaging technique that can be used on metals), neutron activation analysis (a method of analyzing the elements in a material), biomedical research (techniques for using neutrons to treat cancer), neutron transmutation doping (a process for changing the electrical characteristics of certain materials), and radioisotope production (production for use in medical, research, and industrial activities). Under operation and ownership by UC Davis, the types of uses described above would continue. The MNRC would be an important asset to the University, supporting research in a wide range of fields including medicine, veterinary medicine, animal science, natural and environmental sciences, agriculture, egineering, and materials science. At least 51% of the operating time would be used for university and commercial research and up top 49% of the operating time would be used for commercial services that would generate revenues to help defray operating costs and to increase the University's research capabilities. The University would operate the MNRC in collaboration with a commercial firm. In this arrangement, the commercial firm would provide professional services for operating the center and developing its commercial uses under the leadership of the University. It is anticipated that the existing facility would not be modified, and the same staff that currently operates the MNRC would continue to be employed there. If successful, operation of the facility could eventfually increase from 2 to 3 shifts adding approximately 7-8 employees to the staff. The volume of radioisotopes produced at the facility would likely increase. The MNRC is on the McClellan AFB that has been placed on the National Priority List (i.e., "Superfund Site") as a clean-up site due to the presence of contaminants in the groundwater resulting form AFB operations unrelated to the operation of the MNRC. Initially, the University would operate the MNRC under a lease from the USAF. Ownership would not change until the site has been found suitable for tranfer from the USAF to the University. The transfer of ownership also will not occur until federal legislation authorizing the transfer has been passed that includes the funds needed for eventual decommissioning of the MNRC.

2 documents in project