Digital Commons Network^™

Inside Unlv, Lori Bachand, Mamie Peers, Carol C. Harter, Tony Allen, Holly Ivy De Vore

Inside UNLV

No abstract provided.

Afci Quarterly Input – Unlv July 1 Through September 30, 2005, Harry Reid Center For Environmental Studies. Nuclear Science And Technology Division

Transmutation Research Program Reports (TRP)

Quarterly report highlighting research projects, activities and objectives of the Transmutation Research Program at the Nuclear Science & Technology Division, Harry Reid Research Center.The University of Nevada, Las Vegas supports the AFCI through research and development of technologies for economic and environmentally sound refinement of spent nuclear fuel. The UNLV program has four components: infrastructure, international collaboration, student-based research, and management and program support.

Inside Unlv, Diane Russell, Cate Weeks, Carol C. Harter, Mamie Peers

Inside UNLV

No abstract provided.

Congressional Staff Update August 17, 2005, Public Lands Institute

Presentations (PLI)

The Public Lands Institute is dedicated to strengthening the national fabric that is essential for the protection, conservation, and management of public lands.

In collaboration with federal, state, and non-profit partners, the institute is creating new knowledge, advancing technology, improving education, and engaging the public to enhance public lands stewardship.

Valuing Wildfire Risk Mitigation In Kyle Canyon, Nevada, James P. O'Brien

UNLV Theses, Dissertations, Professional Papers, and Capstones

The federal government lists Kyle Canyon, Nevada, as an at-risk wildland-urban interface community. Stakeholders' attitudes and preferences about wildfires and mitigation options were assessed through a survey. 541 surveys were sent and 107 returned. More than a majority of stakeholders report the chances of wildfire occurrence as very likely. Stakeholders demonstrate consensus in reporting high concern about wildfire potential for Kyle Canyon, Nevada. Fire fighters assign the greatest responsibility for mitigating wildfire risks to Clark County, Nevada, and the federal government, while resident property owners do not assign responsibility consistently to any particular group. Trimming is the most favored mitigation …

Red Rock Desert Learning Center Core Group Meeting: July 19, 2005, Red Rock Desert Learning Center

Reports (RRLC)

1. Introductions & Announcements (5 min.)
2. Approval of Minutes from May 17, 2005 Meeting (5 min.)
3. Update on NEPA Process – Michael Johnson & Otak (30 min.)
   A. Overview of NEPA Process C. Status of interim EA report
   B. EA Timeline Schedule D. Status of cultural treatment plan
4. Matrix of Project Concerns and Resolutions – Michael Reiland (15 min.)
5. Review of Project Timeline Schedule – Michael Reiland (10 min.)
   A. Status of Request for Proposals C. Status of Nevada Power Grid
   B. Status of Water Options
6. Curriculum Development – Jeannie Klockow (10 min.)
   A. Wild Horse & Burro Curriculum
7. Community Outreach …

Afci Quarterly Input – Unlv April Through June, 2005, Harry Reid Center For Environmental Studies. Nuclear Science And Technology Division

Transmutation Research Program Reports (TRP)

Quarterly report highlighting research projects, activities and objectives of the Transmutation Research Program at the Nuclear Science & Technology Division, Harry Reid Research Center.

The University of Nevada, Las Vegas supports the AFCI through research and development of technologies for economic and environmentally sound refinement of spent nuclear fuel. The UNLV program has four components: infrastructure, international collaboration, student-based research, and management and program support.

Dissolution, Reactor, And Environmental Behavior Of Zro2-Mgo Inert Fuel Matrix: Quarterly Report, April 2005 To June 2005, Earl Wolfram, Thomas Hartmann, Kenneth Czerwinski

Fuels Campaign (TRP)

This project will examine inert matrix fuels containing ZrO₂ and MgO as the inert matrix, with the relative amount of MgO varied from 30% to 70% in ZrO₂. Reactor physics calculations will be used to examine suitable quantities of burnable poisons from the candidate elements Gd, Er, or Hf with reactor grade Pu providing the fissile component, with up to 10 % of ²³⁹Pu. Ceramics will be synthesized and characterized based on the reactor physics results. The solubility the fuel ceramics, in reactor conditions, reprocessing conditions, and repository conditions, will be investigated in a manner to …

Dissolution, Reactor, And Environmental Behavior Of Zro2-Mgo Inert Fuel Matrix: Neutronic Evaluation Of Zro2-Mgo Inert Fuels, E. Shwageraus, A. Galperin, E. Fridman, S. Kolesnikov

Fuels Campaign (TRP)

This report presents results of the analysis performed within the framework of “Dissolution, Reactor, and Environmental Behavior of ZrO₂-MgO Inert Fuel Matrix” project managed by University of Nevada at Las Vegas, Harry Reid Center for Environmental Studies. The main objective of the study was to explore the basic neutronic feasibility of using MgO-ZrO₂ as inert fuel matrix for Pu recycling in conventional Light Water Reactors (LWR).

Analyzing The Effects Of Various Sign Types Used By The Bureau Of Land Management For Desert Cleanup And Restoration Projects, Christopher Linehan

UNLV Theses, Dissertations, Professional Papers, and Capstones

What is the effectiveness of attempts to curb illegal dumping with prompts on signs posted in the area? Do positive friendly language prompts such as “Restoration in Progress Please Do Not Disturb” generate more positive attitudes and intentions towards illegal dumping problems, than less friendly prompts such as “No Dumping Allowed”?

Results, although inconclusive, did however show a slight trend towards the negative language signs.

Study Examining A Doe Proposal To Dispose Of Mixed Low Level Waste At The Nevada Test Site Using An Alternative Landfill Design, Deborah Hart

UNLV Theses, Dissertations, Professional Papers, and Capstones

The Department of Energy has set forth a proposal to use an Alternative Landfill Design (ALD) for the Mixed Low Level Waste disposal facility, in Area 5 of the Nevada Test Site in place of a traditional engineered liner for the facility. The purpose of this thesis is to examine the impasse between the DOE and the State of Nevada regarding the proposal of placing a traditional liner versus the alternative landfill design, using a case study method to provide recommendations to policy makers and the NTS CAB. This project used secondary data to evaluate, and determine the effectiveness of …

Total Suspended Solids In Las Vegas Wash, Mika Koponen

UNLV Theses, Dissertations, Professional Papers, and Capstones

Erosion along the Las Vegas Wash (Wash) has increased steadily along with the rapidly increasing population. The focus of this study is to find out if there is a relationship between lower total suspended solids rate (TSS) and the construction of erosion control structures along the Wash. The study was conducted between 7/15/2003 and 11/29/2004.

The method was water sampling on 7 sites and the samples were analyzed at Southern Nevada Water Systems (SNWS) laboratory at Saddle Island in Boulder City. Additional water quality data was also collected using Quanta, a device measuring different parameters in water. In this study …

Using A Systems Dynamics Approach To Determine What Can Be Done To Minimize Ozone Production, Jusdi Mcdonald

UNLV Theses, Dissertations, Professional Papers, and Capstones

Ground level ozone is an air pollutant that affects people of all ages and origins in many urban areas including the Las Vegas Valley. The purpose of this study is to examine the best strategy to minimize tropospheric ozone generation through using a system dynamics approach via LUTAQ is used to formulate a solution to the reduction of ozone in the Clark County non-attainment area. By increasing housing density, decreasing average distance per trip, and decrease average number of trips per person per day is the most effective strategies to improving ozone levels in Las Vegas Valley.

A Qualitative Study Investigating The Effectiveness Of The Nts Cab To The U.S. Department Of Energy, Cheryl Freire

UNLV Theses, Dissertations, Professional Papers, and Capstones

Environmental Management Site Specific Advisory Boards (SSAB) were Implemented by the U.S. Department of Energy (DOE) as means for stakeholder involvement in decision-making and recommendations related to environmental management activities at DOE sites throughout the United States. As part of this process, the Nevada Test Site Community Advisory Board (NTS CAB) was formed in 1995. This project examines the effectiveness of the NTS CAB in aiding the DOE in the decisions made concerning environmental management activities at facilities located in Nevada using secondary data sources and background information. Results show that the NTS CAB is an effective entity and proves …

Inside Unlv, Erin O'Donnell, Diane Russell, Carol C. Harter

Inside UNLV

No abstract provided.

Examining The Basis For Change In Clark County Non-Conforming Zone Change Process, Was It Needed?, Maria D. Kaseko

UNLV Theses, Dissertations, Professional Papers, and Capstones

This study reviews Clark County's non-conforming zone change process from 1990 to 2002. A non-conforming zone change, sometimes known as a non-conforming zone boundary amendment is a proposed request that is not within the range of residential densities and/or non-residential intensities indicated on the applicable land use plan map, master plan, or concept plan. This research explores and examines two questions raised by the Clark County's new implementation plan, which was approved in April 2003 to amend the non-conforming zone change process. 1) Clark County assumed there was a public perception that non-conforming zone changes were being approved without regard …

Observed Omnivory In The Herbivorous Blue Tilapia (Oreochromis Aureus), Stephen M. Oliveira Jr.

UNLV Theses, Dissertations, Professional Papers, and Capstones

Gila seminuda, a native endangered species, and Oreochromis aureus, a nonnative invasive species, share the same habitat in the form of the Reid Gardner Power Plant intake ponds. The purpose of this study is to characterize the feeding habits of Oreochromis aureus within the Reid Gardner Power Plant intake ponds and address the potential predation habits of Oreochromis aureus. Stomach contents of O. aureus were identified and analyzed using chi-square and log-likelihood ratio techniques, with respect to mass, length, girth, gender, or spatial distribution of samples. Results showed omnivorous behavior with a 7.00% predatory/prey relationship, and no difference of feeding …

Streamlining The National Environmental Policy Act Reporting Requirements: A Hard Look At The Healthy Forests Initiative, Jeffrey Alan Geller

UNLV Theses, Dissertations, Professional Papers, and Capstones

The U.S. Forest Service (USFS) has implemented the Healthy Forests Initiative (HFI) (2002), which streamlines the NEPA process for proposed forest fuel reduction projects. A key question is whether the USFS’s streamlined NEPA process produces an adequate environmental document and fulfills regulatory requirements. This thesis evaluates whether the streamlined approach practiced by the USFS under the HFI satisfies the NEPA requirements. A review of four streamlined documents assesses whether these requirements are met. The following NEPA requirements in particular are explored for each project to determine whether the NEPA requirements are met: consideration of a reasonable range of alternatives to …

Tensile Properties Of Martensitic Stainless Steels At Elevated Temperatures, Ajit K. Roy, Srinivasarao R. Kukatla, Bhagath Yarlagadda, V. N. Potluri, Martin Lewis, Brendan O'Toole

Mechanical Engineering Faculty Research

Tensile properties of quenched and tempered martensitic alloys EP-823, HT-9, and 422 were evaluated at temperatures ranging from ambient to 600 °C as a function of three different tempering times. The results indicated that the yield strength, ultimate tensile strength, and the failure strength were gradually reduced with increasing temperature. The ductility parameters were enhanced at elevated temperatures due to increased plastic flow. However, the tempering time did not significantly influence these properties. The evaluation of the fracture surfaces by scanning electron microscopy revealed reduced cracking and dimpled microstructures, indicating enhanced ductility at higher testing temperatures.

Residual Stress Characterization In Structural Materials By Destructive And Nondestructive Techniques, Ajit K. Roy, Anand Venkatesh, Vikram Marthandam, Satish Dronavalli, Douglas P. Wells, Ronald Rogge

Mechanical Engineering Faculty Research

Transmutation of nuclear waste is currently being considered to transform long-lived isotopes to species with relatively short half-lives and reduced radioactivity through capture and decay of minor actinides and fission products. This process is intended for geologic disposal of spent nuclear fuels for shorter durations in the proposed Yucca Mountain repository. The molten lead-bismuth-eutectic will be used as a target and coolant during transmutation, which will be contained in a subsystem vessel made from materials such as austenitic (304L) and martensitic (EP-823 and HT-9) stainless steels. The structural materials used in this vessel will be subjected to welding operations and …

Unlv Magazine, Erin O'Donnell, Gian Galassi, Deana Martin, Patti Shock, John Stefanelli, John Bowen, Paul J. Traudt, Jeffrey J. Matthews, Gillian Silver, Regina Barcolas, Jennifer Robison, Doug Mcinnis, Cate Weeks

UNLV Magazine

No abstract provided.

Combined Radiation Detection Methods For Assay Of Higher Actinides In Separations Processes, Denis Beller, Warnick Kernan

Safeguards Campaign (TRP)

Monitoring of higher actinides (HA, includes neptunium, plutonium, americium, and curium) during the separation of used nuclear fuel has been identified as a critical research area in the U.S. Advanced Fuel Cycle Initiative (AFCI). The AFCI is a program to develop economic and environmental methods to reduce the impact of waste from commercial nuclear fuel cycles. Recycling of used fuel by chemically separating it into uranium, fission products, and HA would be the first step in this new fuel cycle. This will present challenges in terms of protecting fissile materials, monitoring processes and process equipment for the presence or absence …

Afci Quarterly Input – Unlv January Through March, 2005, Harry Reid Center For Environmental Studies. Nuclear Science And Technology Division

Transmutation Research Program Reports (TRP)

Quarterly report highlighting research projects and activities of the Transmutation Research Program at the Nuclear Science & Technology Division, Harry Reid Research Center.

The University of Nevada, Las Vegas supports the AFCI through research and development of technologies for economic and environmentally sound refinement of spent nuclear fuel. The UNLV program has four components: infrastructure, international collaboration, student-based research, and management and program support.

Dissolution, Reactor, And Environmental Behavior Of Zro2-Mgo Inert Fuel Matrix: Quarterly Report, January 2005 To March 2005, Earl Wolfram, Thomas Hartmann, Kenneth Czerwinski

Fuels Campaign (TRP)

This project will examine inert matrix fuels containing ZrO₂ and MgO as the inert matrix, with the relative amount of MgO varied from 30% to 70% in ZrO₂. Reactor physics calculations will be used to examine suitable quantities of burnable poisons from the candidate elements Gd, Er, or Hf with reactor grade Pu providing the fissile component, with up to 10% of ²³⁹Pu. Ceramics will be synthesized and characterized based on the reactor physics results. The solubility the fuel ceramics, in reactor conditions, reprocessing conditions, and repository conditions, will be investigated in a manner to provide …

Education In The Environment: A Hands-On Student Research And Outdoor Learning Experience: Quarterly Progress Report, Period Ending February 28, 2005, Margaret N. Rees

Reports (PLI Education)

During the past three-months, the focus of the university’s efforts has included the following highlights:

• Hired Forever Earth/WOW Project Manager Daphne Sewing
• Hired Environmental Education Strategy Project Manager Allison Brody
• Completed five WOW curriculum modules
• Formed a partnership with Clark County Parks and Community Services to pilot WOW events in Spring 2005
• Scheduled first WOW event during the week of March 21, 2005
• Completed Forever Earth orientation trip on February 25, 2005
• Finalized Forever Earth legal documents and insurance requirements

Impact Of The Synthesis Process On Structure Properties For Afci Fuel Candidates, Thomas Hartmann, Kenneth Czerwinski

Fuels Campaign (TRP)

Transmutation work at Los Alamos National Laboratory is currently focused on mono-nitride ceramic fuel forms, and consists of closely coordinated “hot” actinide and “cold” inert and surrogate fuels work. Matrix and surrogate materials work involves three major components: (1) fuel matrix synthesis and fabrication, (2) fuel performance, and (3) fuel materials modeling. The synthesis and fabrication component supports basic material studies, as well as actinide fuel fabrication work through fuel fabrication process development. Fuel performance studies are examining the tolerance of nitride-type fuel to heavy irradiation damage. The fuel materials simulation work involves both atomistic and continuum scale modeling employing …

Regional Open Space & Trails Workgroup Presentation, Public Lands Institute

Presentations (PLI)

The Public Lands Institute is dedicated to strengthening the national fabric that is essential for the protection, conservation, and management of public lands.

Connecting Hearts, Minds, & Hands To Public Lands, Public Lands Institute

Presentations (PLI)

The Public Lands Institute is dedicated to strengthening the national fabric that is essential for the protection, conservation, and management of public lands.

Inventing The Future 2005 Planning Retreat, Public Lands Institute

Presentations (PLI)

• Foster an integrated, holistic approach to managing and stewarding public lands.
• Focus initially on externally funded cooperative conservation projects, research initiatives, and capital improvement projects.
• Attract projects that are local, regional, and national in scope.

Technical Risk Information: Decision Tool Or Rhetorical Ammunition? Undisputed Facts In The Yucca Mountain Debate, David M. Hassenzahl, Denise Tillery, Paulette Laidler

Public Policy and Leadership Faculty Research

This paper examines how both opponents and proponents of the proposed high-level nuclear waste repository at Yucca mountain Nevada claim that uncontroversial information supports their conflicting positions. Four pieces of information in particular are claimed by both sides: the distance of the proposed site from Las Vegas, the volume of waste that has been produced, the threat of terrorism since 9/11/01, and the occurrence of an earthquake in early 2002. Possible explanations for the difference include naive positivism, social constructionism, persistent beliefs and implicit warrants. The latter two models better explain observed knowledge/preference states. If so, more or better information …