The status, distribution and ecology of wildlife on the U.S. Doe Hanford Site: A historical overview of research activities

Abstract

Since the inception of the U.S. DOE Hanford Site in 1943, numerous studies have been conducted on terrestrial wildlife. Onsite contractors have focused their attention on the role of wildlife in the uptake and transport of radionuclides. Graduate students from across the nation have also completed more than 15 theses on wildlife. This paper discusses the past history of wildlife research at Hanford and the individual species of wildlife that have been observed at Hanford. Forty species of mammals, 187 species of birds, 3 species of amphibians and 9 species of reptiles have been documented on the Hanford Site to date.

Hanford Site National Environmental Policy Act (NEPA) Characterization

“…Elk, which are more dependent on open grasslands for forage, seek the cover of sagebrush and other shrub species during the summer months. Elk first appeared on the Hanford Site in 1972 (Fitzner and Gray 1991), and have increased from approximately 8 animals in 1975 to approximately 900, in '1999. The herd of elk that inhabits the Hanford Site primarily occupies ALE and private lands that adjoin the reserve to the north and wes~are occasionally seen on the 200 Area plateau, and have been sighted at the White Bluffs boat launch on the Hanford Site.…”

Survey of ecological resources at selected US Department of Energy sites

“…Wildlife research, in particular, has been conducted for many years, with studies occurring between 1943 and 1970 emphasizing the role of wildlife in uptake and transport of radionuclides (Fitzner and Gray 1991). Routine wildlife surveys continue through the present as part of Hanford's environmental surveillance program.…”

“…Sage grouse, once more common, are now limited in distribution to the higher elevations on Rattlesnake Mountain. None of the upland birds are native to the area except the sage grouse (Fitzner and Gray 1991).…”

Efficacy of rock doves at the Hanford site, Washington, as radiological indicators

“…The Hanford Site was established in 1943 as an isolated area for the production of plutonium for the U.S. nuclear weapons program (Fitzner and Gray 1991). Byproducts of this production included gamma, beta, and alpha emitting radionuclides, as well as nonradioactive gaseous, liquid, and solid .6 chemicals (Gray 1989 (Table 1).…”