1984 Biotic Studies of Yucca Mountain, Nevada Test Site, Nye County, Nevada
A portion of Yucca Mountain on and adjacent to the US Department of Energy`s Nevada Test Site, Nye County, Nevada, is being considered as a possible location for a national high-level radioactive waste repository. The geologic and environmental characteristics of the site are being investigated to determine its suitability for further characterization. Goals of biotic studies were to identify species of concern, describe major floral and faunal associations, determine exposure levels of external background radiation, and assess possible impacts of characterization and operational activities. The species composition of dominant small mammals inhabiting major vegetation associations in 1984 varied little compared with results of similar surveys conducted in 1982 and 1983. Total captures were lower and reproduction was apparently curtailed. Merriam`s kangaroo rat and the long tailed pocket mouse continued to be the most abundant species. Diversity of resident species did not differ significantly between the trapping lines. The composition and relative abundance of associated species was more variable. Western harvest mice were trapped for the first time, but pinyon mice, which were present in prior years, were not trapped. Five desert tortoises were observed during surveys of possible sites for repository surface facilities. 25 refs., 4 figs., 5 tabs.
- Research Organization:
- EG and G, Inc., Goleta, CA (United States). Santa Barbara Operations
- DOE Contract Number:
- AC08-83NV10282
- OSTI ID:
- 59093
- Report Number(s):
- EGG/10282--2057; ON: DE85011715
- Country of Publication:
- United States
- Language:
- English
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1982 biotic survey of Yucca Mountain, Nevada Test Site, Nye County, Nevada
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Related Subjects
54 ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCES
ANIMALS
BACKGROUND RADIATION
BASELINE ECOLOGY
EXPERIMENTAL DATA
HIGH-LEVEL RADIOACTIVE WASTES
NEVADA TEST SITE
PLANTS
RADIATION DOSES
RADIOACTIVE WASTE DISPOSAL
RATS
SITE SELECTION
SPECIES DIVERSITY
UNDERGROUND DISPOSAL
YUCCA MOUNTAIN
Yucca Mountain Project