Work on nuclear weapons at Los Alamos National Laboratory has resulted in widespread contamination on site since its inception in the 1940s. We assessed the presence and migration of plutonium and chromium using publicly available environmental sampling data to inform ongoing debates about remediation approaches. Chromium concentrations at laboratory borders are increasing and continue to pose a risk to the adjacent Pueblo. Plutonium is present at deep depths and in areas off property. Our analysis revealed inconsistent sampling and reporting of data to enable reliable conclusions about migration trends. We recommend a re-evaluation of current characterization and clean-up efforts, improvements in sampling strategies, and funding for independent assessments.

• This report represents the work of one or more WPI undergraduate students submitted to the faculty as evidence of completion of a degree requirement. WPI routinely publishes these reports on its website without editorial or peer review.

Creator

• Heiman, Eric C.
• Carlo, Charles A.
• Draudt, Nathan P.
• Manalo, Caran Kate F.
• Steinberg, Molly C.

Subject

• Health
• Environment
• Sustainability
• Community
• Well-Being
• Water

Publisher

• Worcester Polytechnic Institute

Identifier

• E-project-121020-113719
• 4801

Keyword

• migration
• waste
• plutonium
• chromium
• contamination
• remediation

Advisor

• Tuler, Seth

Year

• 2020

Center

• Santa Fe, New Mexico Project Center - IQP

Sponsor

• Nuclear Watch New Mexico

UN Sustainable Development Goals

• 3 - Good Health and Well-being
• 6 - Clean Water and Sanitation
• 13 - Climate Action
• 16 - Peace, Justice, and Strong Institutions

Date created

• 2020-12-10

Resource type

• Interactive Qualifying Project

Rights statement

• In Copyright