Los Alamos National Laboratory has revealed a team effort aimed at protecting streams around the Lab, especially intermittent and ephemeral waterways, from pollution. This initiative comes in response to the U.S. Supreme Court's interpretation of the Clean Water Act, which permits industries, farmers, homebuilders, among others, to discharge pollutants into such wetlands unless states have protective rules or institutions establish internal policies.
Located on the Pajarito Plateau, Los Alamos National Laboratory consistently samples plateau waters to prevent potential contaminants from adversely affecting the Rio Grande. According to a press release by Los Alamos National Laboratory, the Soil, Foodstuffs, and Biota Program conducts an extensive analysis every three years and monitors downstream locations. The lab's compliance team supervises stormwater controls and ensures proper disposal of liquid waste. Furthermore, a wastewater reuse initiative demonstrates the Lab's dedication to sustainability and environmental stewardship.
"We have a lot of work that goes on, whether that’s monitoring or physical controls to protect water quality, and we’re very committed to continuing that work," said Terrill Lemke, team lead of stormwater permitting and compliance.
"We plan to continue to comply with regulations at the same stringent level we always have," stated Steve Story, head of the Lab’s Environmental Protection and Compliance division. "If the Lab’s mission continues to require it to expand operations, we need to do so in a way that’s protective of the environment."
Founded in 1943 as part of the Manhattan Project, Los Alamos National Laboratory operates as a multi-program research center about 35 miles northwest of Santa Fe. According to information provided by Los Alamos National Laboratory on its About webpage, it focuses on nuclear weapons design and production while addressing nuclear threats through national security science, technology, and engineering.