The Mine Waste Working Group discussed the nature and possible contributions to the solution of this class of waste problem at length. There was a consensus that the mine waste problem presented some fundamental differences from the other classes of waste addresses by the Develop On-Site Innovative Technologies (DOIT) working groups. Contents of this report are: executive summary; stakeholders address the problems; the mine waste program; current technology development programs; problems and issues that need to be addressed; demonstration projects to test solutions; conclusion-next steps; and appendices.

Within High-Level Waste Management (HLWM), CAMs and VAMPs are currently considered Class B equipment, therefore, alarm conditions associated with the CAMs and VAMPs result in an Unusual Occurrence or Off-Normal notification and subsequent occurrence reporting. Recent equipment difficulties associated with Continuous Air Monitors (CAMs) and Victoreen Area Radiation Monitors (VAMPs) have resulted in a significant number of notification reports. These notification have the potential to decrease operator sensitivity to the significance of specific CAM and VAMP failures. Additionally, the reports are extremely costly and are not appropriate as a means for tracking and trending equipment performance. This report provides a technical basis for a change in Waste Management occurrence reporting categorization for specific CAM and VAMP failure modes.

Two slow heating liquefaction runs of steam pretreated coal were carried out using the new sample (No.31) of Illinois No.6 coal to check consistency with previous samples. Good agreement was obtained between the runs made with new sample. There were, however, significant differences from yields obtained with the previously used sample. Consequently, averaging yields from the two samples is not appropriate. Further work on this new Illinois No.6 coal sample will be continued next month. Purification of {alpha}-naphthylmethyl phenyl ether, and {alpha}-benzylnaphthyl ether was continued.

As a result of an initiative by Australia in 1989, the United States joined with eleven other Asia/Pacific nations in creating APEC, the Asia Pacific Economic Cooperation organization. This report discusses the annual Ministerial Meeting of APEC in Seattle, held from November 17 - 19, 1993.

The Earth`s capacity to support life depends on the moderating influences of gases that envelop the planet and warm its surface and protect it from harmful radiation. These gases are referred to as ``greenhouse gases.`` Their warming capacity, called ``the greenhouse effect,`` is essential to maintaining a climate hospitable to all plant, animal, and human life. In recent years, however, there has been increasing concern that human activity may be affecting the intricate balance between the Earth`s absorption of heat from the sun and its capacity to reradiate excess heat back into space. Emissions of greenhouse gases from human activities may be an important mechanism that affects global climate. Thus, research is intensifying to improve our understanding of the role human activities might play in influencing atmospheric concentrations of greenhouse gases. On the basis of scientific findings of the past few decades, the US Government and the international community at large are now taking steps toward stabilizing greenhouse gas emissions. This report contributes to that process. Mandated by Congress this report provides estimates of US emissions of the principal greenhouse gases--carbon dioxide, methane, nitrous oxide, chlorofluorcarbons, carbon monoxide, nitrogen oxides, and nonmethane volatile organic compounds. Estimates are for the period …

The Savannah River Site (SRS) environmental-appraisal/surveillance program is designed to monitor environmental performance and to ensure that regulatory requirements are met. The appraisal/surveillance program is a two-tiered system which consists of external and internal appraisals and surveillances. External appraisals/surveillances are conducted by organizations not reporting to SRS management. The internal appraisals/surveillances are conducted by site organizations referred to as organizations. External appraisals include Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) and South Carolina Department of Health and Environmental Control (SCDHEC) regulatory appraisals, DOE-SR and DOE-HQ appraisals, and operating contractor reviews. These appraisals are the result of regulatory requirements, DOE orders, or operating contractor policies. The Environmental Protection Department (EPD) leads the coordination, planning, and scheduling support. The internal appraisal program consists of three types; management appraisals, program appraisals, and facility appraisals. All organizations developed and implemented a formal facility-appraisal program in February 1989. The first facility appraisal was completed during FY 89. To ensure consistency between departments, the SRS environmental appraisal procedure was completed in December 1988. EPD conducts both the management and program appraisals.

This paper outlines an experimental plan to test the thermohydraulic concept of the proposed Oak Ridge National Laboratory Cold Neutron Moderator. The goals, approach, description of the experimental apparatus, and proposed budget and duration are presented.

The (NGM) Natural Gas Monthly highlights activities, events, and analyses of interest to public and private sector organizations associated with the natural gas industry. Volume and price data are presented each month for natural gas production, distribution, consumption, and interstate pipeline activities. Producer-related activities and underground storage data are also reported. From time to time, the NGM features articles designed to assist readers in using and interpreting natural gas information. This month`s feature articles are: US Production of Natural Gas from Tight Reservoirs: and Expanding Rule of Underground Storage.

The Nuclear Reactor Program at North Carolina State University provides the PULSTAR Research Reactor and associated facilities to eligible institutions with support, in part, from the Department of Energy Reactor Sharing Program. Participation in the NCSU Reactor Sharing Program continues to increase steadily with visitors ranging from advance high school physics and chemistry students to Ph.D. level research from neighboring universities.

The project on ``Development of a Theory of the Dependence of Human Reliability upon System Designs as a Means of Improving Nuclear Power Plant Performance`` was been undertaken in order to address the problem of human error in advanced nuclear power plant designs. Lack of a mature theory has retarded progress in reducing likely frequencies of human errors. Work being pursued in this project is to perform a set of experiments involving human subjects who are required to operate, diagnose and respond to changes in computer-simulated systems, relevant to those encountered in nuclear power plants, which are made to differ in complexity in a systematic manner. The computer program used to present the problems to be solved also records the response of the operator as it unfolds.

Rapid heating liquefaction of steam pretreated Illinois No.6 coal mixed with 4A zeolite was carried out this month. Liquefaction yields are close to those obtained with 5A zeolite at the same coal/zeolite ration. Aquathermolysis of model compound 9-phenoxyphenanthrene was carried out this month under conditions similar to employed by Katritzky but for shorter time. Analysis of recovered products showed incomplete cleavage of the ether. This demonstrates the importance of longer reaction time even at high pressure. It will be of interest to determine if high conversions can be achieved at long reaction times and low pressure. Additional amounts of model compounds 2-naphthyl methyl phenyl ether and 2-naphthyl benzyl ether were synthesized. Purification of these compounds are now in progress.

The main goal of this contract is to develop a catalyst and technology that will produce iC{sub 4=} directly from coal-derived syngas and that is capable of using a lower H{sub 2}/CO ratio (0.5 to 1.0). The research will identify and optimize the key catalyst and process characteristics that give improved performance for CO conversion by a non-Fischer-Tropsch process. This report, which is the Technical Progress Report No. 4 for contract DE-AC22-91PC90042, covers the testing of various ZrO{sub 2}-based catalyst systems designed to examine the effects of catalyst preparation and process variables, especially the H{sub 2}/CO ratio. Testing of sol-gel ZrO{sub 2} catalysts with 1 or 2% cesium (Cs) addition indicates decreased stability at a H{sub 2}:CO ratio of 0.5. The addition of cobalt (Co) or copper (Cu) to the base ZrO{sub 2} catalyst results in a small activity gain, but a selectivity loss. This gain in Cu catalyst activity is mostly due to increased methane production. The Co catalyst shifts selectivity toward saturated products. The addition of water to the feed stream had a beneficial effect on stability. The addition of a basic clay had no effect on the activity or selectivity.

The main goal of this contract is to develop a catalyst and technology that will produce iC4{sub 4}{sup =} directly from coal-derived syngas and that is capable of using a lower H{sub 2}/CO ratio (0.5 to 1.0). The research will identify and optimize the key catalyst and process characteristics that give improved performance for CO conversion by a non-Fischer-Tropsch process. This report, which is Quarterly Report No. 5 for contract DE-AC22-91PC90042, covers the testing of various zirconia (ZrO{sub 2}) and bismuth oxide (Bi{sub 2}O{sub 3}) based catalyst systems designed to examine the effects of catalyst preparation and process variables, especially the H{sub 2}/Co ratio. Testing of sol-gel ZrO{sub 2} catalysts with lanthanum (La) or yttrium (Y) addition indicates a decrease in isobutene yield. An attempt to increase catalyst surface area by impregnating Zr on a sol-gel SiO{sub 2} catalyst was unsuccessful. A Bi{sub 2}O{sub 3} catalyst was very low in activity as a result of complete reduction to Bi metal. Increasing the H{sub 2}/CO ratio to 2:1 slightly increased the isobutene yield and improved catalyst stability.

Goal is to develop a catalyst and technology that will produce iC{sub 4}{double_bond} directly from coal-derived syngas and that is capable of using a lower H{sub 2}/CO ratio (0.5 to 1.0). This report covers the testing of various zirconia (ZrO{sub 2}) based catalyst systems designed to examine effects of catalyst preparation and process variables, especially feed additives. Testing sol-gel ZrO{sub 2} catalysts calcined at 475 C instead of 500 C increases the isobutene yield. Supporting zirconia on high-surface-area sol-gel silica or silica-alumina results in low activity catalysts. Addition of ethylene, propylene, ethanol to feed produces hydrogenation, dimerization, and metathesis products, but little or no isobutene.

Efforts are described to prepare educational materials including computer based as well as conventional type teaching materials for training interested high school and elementary students in aspects of Human Genome Project.

Radioactive cesium will be removed from aqueous high level waste (HLW) solutions by precipitation with sodium tetraphenyl borate (TPB) in the In-Tank Precipitation (ITP) process. Benzene is generated due to the radiolysis of TPB, and dissolves into the decontaminated salt solution (DSS) and into the water used to wash (WW) the precipitate. These solutions will be processed through stripping columns to reduce the benzene concentration to satisfy limits for disposal of the DSS and for temporary storage of the WW. A pilot scale testing program to evaluate the stripping column operation in support of ITP startup activities has been completed. Equipment and test plans were developed so that data obtained from the pilot scale testing would be directly applicable to full scale column operation and could be used to project hydraulic performance and stripping efficiency of both columns. A review of the test data indicate that the ITP stripping columns will be capable of reducing benzene concentrations in salt solutions to satisfy Saltstone and Tank 22 acceptance limits. An antifoam (AF) will be required to maintain the column differential pressure below the vendor recommendation of 40 inches wc so that design feed rates can be achieved. Additionally, the testing program …

Under the US Department of Energy (DOE), the Civilian Radioactive Waste Management System Management and Operating Contractor (CRWMS M&O) has the responsibility to review, evaluate, and document existing computer ground-water flow models; to conduct performance assessments; and to develop performance assessment models, where necessary. In the area of scientific modeling, the M&O CRWMS has the following responsibilities: To provide overall management and integration of modeling activities. To provide a framework for focusing modeling and model development. To identify areas that require increased or decreased emphasis. To ensure that the tools necessary to conduct performance assessment are available. These responsibilities are being initiated through a three-step process. It consists of a thorough review of existing models, testing of models which best fit the established requirements, and making recommendations for future development that should be conducted. Future model enhancement will then focus on the models selected during this activity. Furthermore, in order to manage future model development, particularly in those areas requiring substantial enhancement, the three-step process will be updated and reported periodically in the future.

Rapid heating liquefaction of steam pretreated Illinois No.6 coal mixed with 13X zeolite was carried out this month. The pores of this zeolite retain pyridine during drying, but not enough to account for the low apparent yield of pyridine extract. Soxhlet extraction analysis of the product showed a significantly lower oil yield compared with 5A zeolite. This might be caused by retention of tetralin in 13x zeolite pores. Tetralin retention will be determined subsequently. A test of 4A zeolite is planned for next month. Aquathermolysis of model compound {beta}-benzylnaphthyl ether was carried out this month at high pressure (liquid water conditions). Analysis of the recovered products are now in progress.

Prior to receiving the grant, Utilitip was faced with an idea that truly worked, however only a very limited line of component parts would fit various types of chain saws on the market. It also suffered from a severe problem when engaged in the ground of soil penetrating the saw chain area, thus eliminating one of the major benefits of keeping the chain sharp. Consequently, the grant funding was directed towards extending the tooling capabilities to produce parts for a much wider variety of chain saws that are on the market, and further by developing an effective flexible soil shield to prevent abrasive soil entry into the saw chain. Utilitip was able to complete a full set of design for a wide variety of large and small chain saws. This incorporated a design and fabrication of a small Utilitip, as well as a small anti-kickback device. In addition, tooling was also further developed for the large Utilitip and the large anti-kickback device. Accordingly, multiple tools are available for all combinations, as well as back-up provisions. Utilitip, Inc. invented a special, flexible attachment to be glued and/or molded to the tip guard. The soil shield prevents abrasive soil from coming into …

An inspection was conducted of certain aspects of the Department of Energy`s administration of its management and operating and other designated contractors` executive employees` compensation. The purpose of the inspection was to evaluate whether Departmental officials were performing their responsibilities for reviewing, approving and reporting contractors` executive employees` compensation. Contractor executive employees` compensation totalled $533 million in fiscal year 1991. Results are described.

The purpose of our inspection was to review the Department of Energy`s (Energy) export licensing process for dual-use and military (munitions) commodities subject to nuclear nonproliferation controls. Specifically, we reviewed Energy`s authorities, procedures, and policies pertaining to the export licensing process and examined procedures for safeguarding data transmitted between Energy and other agencies involved in the export licensing process. We also reviewed Energy`s role as a member of the Subgroup on Nuclear Export Coordination. Our review of the sample of 60 export cases did not find evidence to lead us to believe that Energy`s recommendations for these cases were inappropriate or incorrect. We identified, however, problems regarding management systems associated with the export license review process. We found that without documentation supporting export licensing decisions by the Export Control Operations Division (ECOD), we could not determine whether ECOD analysts considered all required criteria in their review of export cases referred to Energy. For example, we found that the ECOD did not retain records documenting the bases for its advice, recommendations, or decisions regarding its reviews of export license cases or revisions to lists of controlled commodities and, therefore, was not in compliance with certain provisions of the Export Administration Act, …

Achievements are reported for the following 4 areas: {pi}/{sigma} equillibria in aldehyde and ketone complexes; thermodynamic ligand binding affinities ({alpha},{beta} unsaturated organic carbonyl compounds); (a new form of coordinated carbon) an unsupported C{sub 3} chain that spans two different transition metals; and (a new form of coordinated carbon) an C{sub 3} chain that is anchored by a metal on each end and spanned by a third.

The Petroleum Marketing Monthly (PMM) is designed to give information and statistical data about a variety of crude oils and refined petroleum products. The publication provides statistics on crude oil costs and refined petroleum products sales for use by industry, government, private sector analysts, educational institutions, and consumers. Data on crude oil include the domestic first purchase price, the f.o.b. and landed cost of imported crude oil, and the refiners` acquisition cost of crude oil. Sales data for motor gasoline, distillates, residuals, aviation fuels, kerosene, and propane are presented.

The four audited DOE contractors had not established adequate systems to award and administer subcontracts. Their systems did not provide for fair and effective competition, reasonable costs and prices, and timely closure of completed subcontracts. These conditions existed because contractors did not ensure that employees adhered to contract terms and company policies, and because the Department did not adequately monitor contractors` purchasing systems. As a result, the Department paid excessive prices for goods and services and committed more funds than needed for subcontract costs.