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Title: 1982 biotic survey of Yucca Mountain, Nevada Test Site, Nye County, Nevada

Abstract

In 1981 an extensive literature review was conducted to determine the current state of knowledge about the ecological characteristics of the Yucca Mountain study area and to identify what site-specific information was lacking. Based on the findings of the review a field study was initiated in 1982 to gather site-specific information on the ecological characteristics of the project area. The biota observed were representative of either the Mojave or Transition deserts that are widely distributed in southern Nevada and the arid Southwest. No unusual vegetation associations or assemblages of animals were observed. Based on observations of tracks and scats it was concluded that low numbers of both mule deer and feral burros used the area seasonally, and that neither species should be severely threatened by the proposed activities. The Mojave fishhook cactus and desert tortoise, both under consideration for federal protection as threatened species, were found to occur in the study area. The former was distributed in notable densities on the rocky ridgelines of Yucca Mountain in areas that should not be greatly disturbed by site characterization or future repository activities. Evidence of desert tortoise was observed throughout the project area to elevations of 5240 ft; however, relative densities weremore » estimated to be low (less than 20 per square mile). Physical destruction of soils and native vegetation was determined to be the most significant negative effect associated with current and proposed characterization activities. Solution holes in exposed flat rock on ridgelines that served as passive collectors of precipitation and runoff were the only sources of free water observed. While these water supplies were not adequate to support riparian vegetation, there was evidence that they served as an important ephemeral source of water for wildlife.« less

Authors:
;
Publication Date:
Research Org.:
EG and G, Inc., Goleta, CA (United States). Energy Measurements Group
OSTI Identifier:
59055
Report Number(s):
EGG-10282-2004
ON: DE84000865
DOE Contract Number:  
AC08-83NV10282
Resource Type:
Technical Report
Resource Relation:
Other Information: PBD: Feb 1983
Country of Publication:
United States
Language:
English
Subject:
05 NUCLEAR FUELS; 54 ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCES; NEVADA TEST SITE; BASELINE ECOLOGY; RADIOACTIVE WASTE DISPOSAL; ENVIRONMENTAL IMPACTS; PLANTS; ANIMALS; SITE CHARACTERIZATION; SITE SELECTION; HIGH-LEVEL RADIOACTIVE WASTES; Yucca Mountain Project

Citation Formats

O`Farrell, T P, and Collins, E. 1982 biotic survey of Yucca Mountain, Nevada Test Site, Nye County, Nevada. United States: N. p., 1983. Web.
O`Farrell, T P, & Collins, E. 1982 biotic survey of Yucca Mountain, Nevada Test Site, Nye County, Nevada. United States.
O`Farrell, T P, and Collins, E. 1983. "1982 biotic survey of Yucca Mountain, Nevada Test Site, Nye County, Nevada". United States.
@article{osti_59055,
title = {1982 biotic survey of Yucca Mountain, Nevada Test Site, Nye County, Nevada},
author = {O`Farrell, T P and Collins, E},
abstractNote = {In 1981 an extensive literature review was conducted to determine the current state of knowledge about the ecological characteristics of the Yucca Mountain study area and to identify what site-specific information was lacking. Based on the findings of the review a field study was initiated in 1982 to gather site-specific information on the ecological characteristics of the project area. The biota observed were representative of either the Mojave or Transition deserts that are widely distributed in southern Nevada and the arid Southwest. No unusual vegetation associations or assemblages of animals were observed. Based on observations of tracks and scats it was concluded that low numbers of both mule deer and feral burros used the area seasonally, and that neither species should be severely threatened by the proposed activities. The Mojave fishhook cactus and desert tortoise, both under consideration for federal protection as threatened species, were found to occur in the study area. The former was distributed in notable densities on the rocky ridgelines of Yucca Mountain in areas that should not be greatly disturbed by site characterization or future repository activities. Evidence of desert tortoise was observed throughout the project area to elevations of 5240 ft; however, relative densities were estimated to be low (less than 20 per square mile). Physical destruction of soils and native vegetation was determined to be the most significant negative effect associated with current and proposed characterization activities. Solution holes in exposed flat rock on ridgelines that served as passive collectors of precipitation and runoff were the only sources of free water observed. While these water supplies were not adequate to support riparian vegetation, there was evidence that they served as an important ephemeral source of water for wildlife.},
doi = {},
url = {https://www.osti.gov/biblio/59055}, journal = {},
number = ,
volume = ,
place = {United States},
year = {Tue Feb 01 00:00:00 EST 1983},
month = {Tue Feb 01 00:00:00 EST 1983}
}

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