A weekly publication, the Texas Register serves as the journal of state agency rulemaking for Texas. Information published in the Texas Register includes proposed, adopted, withdrawn and emergency rule actions, notices of state agency review of agency rules, governor's appointments, attorney general opinions, and miscellaneous documents such as requests for proposals. After adoption, these rulemaking actions are codified into the Texas Administrative Code.

A weekly publication, the Texas Register serves as the journal of state agency rulemaking for Texas. Information published in the Texas Register includes proposed, adopted, withdrawn and emergency rule actions, notices of state agency review of agency rules, governor's appointments, attorney general opinions, and miscellaneous documents such as requests for proposals. After adoption, these rulemaking actions are codified into the Texas Administrative Code.

A weekly publication, the Texas Register serves as the journal of state agency rulemaking for Texas. Information published in the Texas Register includes proposed, adopted, withdrawn and emergency rule actions, notices of state agency review of agency rules, governor's appointments, attorney general opinions, and miscellaneous documents such as requests for proposals. After adoption, these rulemaking actions are codified into the Texas Administrative Code.

A weekly publication, the Texas Register serves as the journal of state agency rulemaking for Texas. Information published in the Texas Register includes proposed, adopted, withdrawn and emergency rule actions, notices of state agency review of agency rules, governor's appointments, attorney general opinions, and miscellaneous documents such as requests for proposals. After adoption, these rulemaking actions are codified into the Texas Administrative Code.

A weekly publication, the Texas Register serves as the journal of state agency rulemaking for Texas. Information published in the Texas Register includes proposed, adopted, withdrawn and emergency rule actions, notices of state agency review of agency rules, governor's appointments, attorney general opinions, and miscellaneous documents such as requests for proposals. After adoption, these rulemaking actions are codified into the Texas Administrative Code.

This document is the first part of a three-part report describing the analysis and characterization of double shell tank 241-AP-108 which is located at the Hanford Reservation.This document is the analytical laboratory data package entitled `Analysis and Characterization of Double Shell Tank 241-AP-108` which contains a case sampling history, the sampling protocols, the analytical procedures, sampling and analysis quality assurance and quality control measures, and chemical analysis results for samples obtained from the tank.

None

The scope of this quality assurance project plan (Plan) is sampling and analytical services including, but not limited to, sample receipt, handling and storage, analytical measurements, submittal of data deliverables, archiving selected portions of samples, returning unneeded sample material to Westinghouse Hanford Company (WHC), and/or sample disposal associated with candidate feed samples and process condensate compliance samples. Sampling and shipping activities are also included within the scope. The purpose of this project is to provide planning, implementation, and assessment guidance for achieving established data quality objectives measurement parameters. This Plan requires onsite and offsite laboratories to conform to that guidance. Laboratory conformance will help ensure that quality data are being generated and therefore, that the 242-A evaporator is operating in a safe and compliant manner. The 242-A evaporator feed stream originates from double-shell tanks (DSTs) identified as candidate feed tanks. The 242-A evaporator reduces the volume of aqueous waste contained in DSTs by boiling off water and sending it to the Liquid Effluent Retention Facility (LERF) storage basin before further treatment. The slurry product is returned to DSTs. Evaporation results in considerable savings by reducing the volume of mixed waste for disposal.

Until recently, Pb was the preferred heat exchanger matrix material used in low temperature cryocoolers; however, the heat capacity of Pb drops drastically below {approximately}15K and new matrix materials based on the lanthanide elements have been developed. These materials magnetically order at low temperatures and the entropy change associated with ordering contributes to the materials` heat capacities. The drawback to widespread use of lanthanide intermetallic compounds in cryocoolers has been the difficulty in manufacturing high-quality particulates. The purpose of this project was to develop a technique for producing high-quality powders of lanthanide metals and lanthanide intermetallic compounds for use in cryocooler heat exchangers. A series of atomization experiments was performed using Er{sub 3}Ni, Nd, Nd{sub 3}Ni, and (Er{sub 0.5}Nd{sub 0.5}){sub 3}Ni. Atomization of these materials resulted in particles ranging from mostly spherical to extremely flattened. Analyses of size distributions for the experiments indicate that increased atomization disk speed and superheat result in smaller mean particle diameters and narrower size distributions. Chemical analyses of the atomized powders indicate that the CA/RQB technique produces particulate with much lower interstitial contamination than other techniques. The Er{sub 3}Ni and Nd{sub 3}Ni powders were predominantly of the desired phase and the (Er{sub 0.5}Nd{sub 0.5}){sub 3}Ni …

This report documents the verification and validation of two decision support programs: EXPERT CHOICE{trademark} and PCM{trademark}. Both programs use the Analytic Hierarchy Process (AHP) -- or pairwise comparison technique -- developed by Dr. Thomas L. Saaty. In order to provide an independent method for the validating the two programs, the pairwise comparison algorithm was developed for a standard mathematical program. A standard data set -- selecting a car to purchase -- was used with each of the three programs for validation. The results show that both commercial programs performed correctly.

The SGI International Liquids From Coal (LFC) Process is a mild pyrolysis, or mild gasification, treatment that upgrades low-rank coals by removing almost all of the moisture and a substantial portion of the volatile matter. The process produces two value-added co-products: a Coal Derived Liquid (CDL) and a solid Process Derived Fuel (PDF). A third co-product, a low-heating-value non-condensible gas, is recirculated and combusted in a commercial sized plant to provide drying and pyrolysis process heat. The LFC Process consists of three basic steps. The first step, drying, involves essentially inert gas convectively raising the coal temperature and removing most of the moisture. The drying temperature is limited to ensure that no hydrocarbon gases evolve, and the flow rate is limited below fluidization levels for most of the coal particles. The second step, pyrolysis, consists of additional inert gas heating that raises the temperature of the dried coal so that more than half of the volatile matter is removed under a controlled temperature history that is characteristic for each particular coal and customer demand. The third step, finishing or conditioning, consists of exposure to a cooling inert gas that quenches the pyrolysis reaction, followed by controlled exposure to oxygen for …

None

The intensity of X-rays and neutrons reflected from an interface at near-grazing incidence depends sensitively on the refractive index profile normal to the interface. As the refractive index depends on the density, the measured reflectivity vs. incidence angle can be used to determine the Interfacial density profile with sub {angstrom} resolution. The density sampled is, however, different for the two probes. As neutrons interact with the atomic nuclei, they probe the scattering amplitude density profile of the nuclei. This amounts effectively to probing the average mass density profile, where the contribution of each atomic species is weighted by its nucleus-neutron interaction strength, which varies irregularly throughout the periodic table. X-rays, however, interact with the electronic charge and thus probe the total electronic density profile of the interface. The two probes provide, therefore, slightly different, though related, information on the interface structure. Since modern synchrotron X-ray sources are 5-6 orders of magnitude brighter than the best neutron sources, X-ray reflectivity measurements routinely achieve much higher resolutions and accuracies than their neutron counterparts. However, the magnetic interaction and the large variation of the neutron scattering length upon isotopic substitution renders neutron reflectivity a method-of-choice in special cases such as studies of surface …

The Energy Information Administration (EIA) is developing the National Energy Modeling System (NEMS) to enhance its energy forecasting capabilities and to provide the Department of Energy with a comprehensive framework for analyzing alternative energy` futures. NEMS is designed with a multi-level modular structure that represents specific energy supply activities, conversion processes, and demand sectors as a series of self-contained units which are linked by an integrating mechanism. The NEMS International Energy Module (IEM) computes world oil prices and the resulting patterns of international trade in crude oil and refined products. This report is a reference document for energy analysts, model users, and the public that is intended to meet EIA`s legal obligation to provide adequate documentation for all statistical and forecast reports (Public Law 93-275, section 57(b)(1). Its purpose is to describe the structure of the IEM. Actual operation of the model is not discussed here. The report contains four sections summarizing the overall structure of the IEM and its interface with other NEMS modules, mathematical specifications of behavioral relationships, and data sources and estimation methods. Following a general description of the function and rationale of its key components, system and equation level information sufficient to permit independent evaluation of …

Locked mode coils for detecting radial magnetic field perturbations B{sub r} were recently constructed and installed on the TEXT-U tokamak. The measured experimental signals showed that both minor and major disruptive instabilities were almost always preceded by a growth in B{sub r}. For some plasma discharges with long duration precursors, a mode lock occurs before the disruption takes place. However, detailed investigation showed that the modes were still rotating in the toroidal direction but with a very low frequency of about 50 Hz. The results of the analysis done confirmed that the m=1/m=2 mode coupling is the main triggering mechanism for the disruptions. Only after the coupling has taken place, when the frequency of the MHD activity measured with Mirnov coils has dropped from about 10 kHz to near 5 kHz and the characteristic deformation of the sawteeth has occurred, are fluctuating radial magnetic fields picked up by the locked mode coils.

The US Department of Energy (DOE) has begun the decontamination and decommissioning (D&D) of Building 9201-4 (Alpha-4) at the Oak Y-12 Plant, Oak Ridge, Tennessee, The Alpha-4 Building was used from 1953--1962 to house a column exchange (Colex) process for lithium isotope separation. This process involved electrochemical and solvent extraction processes that required substantial quantities of mercury. Presently there is no law or regulation mandating decommissioning at DOE facilites or setting de minimis or ``below regulatory concern`` (BRC) radioactivity levels to guide decommissioning activities at DOE facilities. However, DOE Order 5820.2A, Chap. V (Decommissioning of Radioactively Contaminated Facilities), requires that the regulatory status of each project be identified and that technical engineering planning must assure D&D compliance with all environmental regulations during cleanup activities. To assist in the performance of this requirement, this paper gives a brief overview of potential federal and state regulatory requirements related to D&D activities at Alpha-4. Compliance with other federal, state, and local regulations not addressed here may be required, depending on site characterization, actual D&D activities, and wastes generated.

The objectives of the EHAP program are to: Develop a holistic, national basis for risk assessment, risk management and risk communication; Develop a pool of talented scientists and experts in cleanup activities, especially in human health aspects, and; Identify needs and develop programs addressing the critical shortage of well-educated, highly-skilled technical and scientific personnel to address the health oriented aspects of environmental restoration and waste management. This report describes activities and reports on progress for the third quarter of year two (January-March, 1994) of the grant. To better accomplish objectives, grant efforts are organized into three major elements: The Crossroads of Humanity Series; Research, Science and Education Programs; and Program Management. The Crossroads of Humanity Series charted a new course, incorporating lessons learned during previous quarters into a series of programs designed to address environmental issues in a real world setting. Reports are included on the various research programs with milestones and deliverables from the third quarter.

The US Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) has established health and environmental protection regulations to correct and prevent ground water contamination resulting from processing activities at inactive uranium milling sites (52 FR 36000 (1987)). According to the Uranium Mill Tailings Radiation Control Act (UMTRCA) of 1978, 42 USC {section}7901 et seq., the US Department of Energy (DOE) is responsible for assessing the inactive uranium processing sites. The DOE has determined that for Slick Rock, this assessment shall include hydrogeologic site characterization for two separate uranium processing sites, the Union Carbide (UC) site and the North Continent (NC) site, and for the proposed Burro Canyon disposal site. The water resources protection strategy that describes how the proposed action will comply with the EPA ground water protection standards is presented in Attachment 4. The following site characterization activities are discussed in this attachment: Characterization of the hydrogeologic environment, including hydrostratigraphy, ground water occurrence, aquifer parameters, and areas of recharge and discharge. Characterization of existing ground water quality by comparison with background water quality and the maximum concentration limits (MCL) of the proposed EPA ground water protection standards. Definition of physical and chemical characteristics of the potential contaminant source, including concentration and leachability of …

A critical requirement for accurately representing surface-atmosphere interactions within an atmospheric model is to realistically characterize the land surface. Data must be extracted from a geographical database and transformed so that it is consistent with the needs of the numerical model. In such a process, there are two major classes of error that must be understood and minimized whenever possible. The first class involves the accuracy, precision, and resolution of the geographical data itself. The second is error introduced by the transformations used to assimilate the data into the atmospheric model. Thus, this research has two coupled objectives: to understand the effects of errors within the geographical data base upon the accuracy of the atmospheric model simulation and to design optimal techniques for the transformation of the data.

Backscattering experiments at microwave frequencies were conducted off the west coast of Scotland in the summer of 1991. Using a dual-polarization, 8-frequency X-band coherent scatterometer mounted on the bow of a boat, we measured time-resolved backscattering from ocean waves at a range of grazing angles from 10{degrees} to 70{degrees}. From the grazing-angle-dependent signals and their Doppler spectra, we differentiate Bragg scattering from non-Bragg scattering and resolve ``peak separation`` between the vertical and horizontal polarizations. We observe instances of ``super`` events, i.e., instances when the horizontal polarization return power equals or exceeds the vertical polarization power. We find that ``super`` events occur not only at low grazing angles but at any grazing angle for against-wind viewing directions. Statistics for such occurrences as a function of grazing angle are obtained. We study the coherence properties of scatterers and find strong evidence that at low grazing angles, lifetime-dominated, non-Bragg scattering contributes noticeably to returns of both polarizations, but is dominant in providing returns for the horizontal polarization. We examine ``spiking`` events and find that they can be related to, but need not be limited to, breaking wave events. By comparing the data of against-wind runs with cross-wind and circle runs, we obtain wind-direction …

Lawrence Livermore National Laboratory responded to the 17 January 1994, Northridge earthquake by sending an information gathering team to observe and study the collapse of the interchange between highways 14 and I-5 in the northern San Fernando Valley. This field team examined the structural failure at the interchange and the surface soil conditions, and they installed high-grain RefTek seismic recorders to record aftershocks. We recorded aftershocks for two weeks. Analyses of aftershock recordings in this report illustrate the degree of differential support motion for this site, and the higher than expected ground motion from an earthquake of this size and distance. We used the aftershock recordings of small earthquakes as empirical Green`s functions and synthesized strong ground motion at three sites in the interchange area. Results presented here are based on an assumption that the geology of the interchange area remained linear in its response to the main event.

We report on the absorption of laser energy that results when an ultra-intense laser pulse is incident onto a sharp vacuum-plasma boundary, where the initial shelf density of the plasma is much greater than the critical density, n{sub cr}. It is found that 2-D effects greatly increase the amount of absorption into hot electrons, over the amount predicted using 1-D theory. In particular, a scaling for the absorption as a function of density, for a fixed laser intensity, implies that the absorption will be of order 30% for densities well in excess of The interaction is studied using both 1- and 2- dimensional particle-in-cell (PIC) 100 n{sub cr} simulations. The 1-D results agree quite well with a simple scaling of JxB heating, where the laser electric field penetrates a skin depth into the overdense plasma and subsequently heats electrons. In 2-D, when the laser is incident at an angle, the absorption is seen to increase substantially due to a form of resonant absorption that occurs in steep density profiles. We find that the inclusion of kinetic and multi-dimensional effects are crucial to obtaining a complete picture of the interaction. The ability of ultra-intense lasers to produce acceptable amounts o f …

Letter opinion issued by the Office of the Attorney General of Texas in Austin, Texas, providing an interpretation of Texas law. It provides the opinion of the Texas Attorney General, Dan Morales, regarding a legal question submitted for clarification: Whether an appraisal review board, under section 25.25(d) of the Tax Code, may correct the market value of real property that receives productivity valuation under chapter 23 of the Tax Code.

Letter opinion issued by the Office of the Attorney General of Texas in Austin, Texas, providing an interpretation of Texas law. It provides the opinion of the Texas Attorney General, Dan Morales, regarding a legal question submitted for clarification; Application of section 21.9205, Education Code (ID# 23490)