The elements and structure of a small-scale regional energy-environment game are presented, with special emphasis on the definition of appropriate actors and state variables as well as characterization of the target region for which the game is designed. The results of this Phase I game will be used to aid the design of components in a more comprehensive game (Phase II) that can be used for investigating various energy-environment scenarios in a regional assessment study program. The principal results that will be used in the Phase II effort are: (1) definition of the target region; (2) development of reference scenarios describing energy-environment trends and mechanisms within the target region; (3) characterization of principal actors involved in the regional energy - environment system; and (4) definition of a set of factors or state variables that reflect the state of that system. (auth)

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Decontamination and decommissioning (D and D) criteria were assembled for use in designing new plutonium facilities. These criteria were gathered from literature searches and visits to many plutonium facilities around the country. The recommendations of reports and experienced personnel were used. Since total D and D costs can be millions of dollars, improved designs to facilitate D and D will result in considerable savings in cost and time and will help to leave the site for unrestricted future use after D and D. Finally, better design will reduce hazards and improve safety during the D and D effort. (auth)

An evaluation of common drilling practices and technology and applicability of currently available drilling machinery in the excavation of the canister emplacement holes for the Alpha Repository is presented. Sections are included on drilling system applications, descriptions of drilling operations, and drill system performance. (JRD)

Six one-million-gallon double shell waste storage tanks will be constructed for safe and reliable containment and storage of high-level radioactive wastes. The design and safety features of these tanks are discussed including: architecture; structure; primary and secondary tanks; reinforced concrete tank; tank dome penetrations; processing and transfer facilities; piping; auxiliary equipment; pumps; slurry distributors; and ventilation. (DC)

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Progress is summarized in experimental and analytical investigations of the neutronics and photonics of benchmark mockups of LMFBR blankets. During the reporting period work was devoted primarily to a wide range of analytical/numerical investigations, including blanket fuel management/economics studies, evaluation of improved blanket designs, and assessment of state-of-the-art methods for gamma heating calculations. Experimental work included preparations for resumption of MIT Reactor operations, primarily fabrication of improved steel reflector assemblies for blanket mockups, and development of an improved radiophotoluminescent readout device for LiF thermoluminescent detectors. The most significant finding was that the neutronic and economic performance of radial blanket assemblies are essentially independent of core size (rating) for radially-power-flattened cores. Hence the methodology and results of current experiments and calculations should be valid for the large commercial LMFBR's of the future.

Progress during the fourth quarter of FY-1975 in research on the utilization of nuclear by-products is reported. Preliminary conceptual and engineering analysis studies were made of a proposed U.S. Air Force 2kW(e) power system employing Waste Encapsulation and Storage Facility (WESF) $sup 90$SrF$sub 2$ capsules as a source of heat. The results showed the feasibility of such a system, but indicated that the SrF$sub 2$ capsule materials might have to be changed to satisfy operating life requirements. Dose rates from a WESF $sup 90$SrF$sub 2$ capsule were measured. Dose rates and radiation efficiences for WESF $sup 137$CsCl capsules of varying geometries were calculated. A forecast of the potential supply of a number of beneficial reactor by-products was assembled. A start was made on the definitions of a flow sheet for an integrated reactor by- product recovery plant. Preliminary work was done on the methodology for forecasting long-term demand for reactor by-products. (auth)

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The objective of this program was: to evaluate for photovoltaic applications the use of the compound parabolic concentrator design as a field collector--in conjunction with a primary focusing concentrator. The primary focusing concentrator may be a parabolic reflector, an array of Fresnel mirrors, a Fresnel lens, or some other type; Select several candidate configurations of such compound systems (focusing concentrators/CPC field collectors); Perform an analytic evaluation of the technical performance of these systems; and identify the most promising configurations and perform a cost effectiveness study pertinent to coupling CPC concentrators to solar cells. (WDM)

Research on investigations of chemical bonding influences on the moderation and capture of negative mu mesons when stopped in matter, nuclear energy levels, internal fields in solids, and the validity of certain semiclassical approximations made in the treatment of nuclear rotational motion. (JFP)

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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, John L. Hill, regarding a legal question submitted for clarification: Confidentiality of financial statement of municipally-owned radio station.