Hanford Site Tank Farm Ecological Risk Assessment – WMAC

EAS prepared the field sampling instructions, health and safety plan, quality assurance plan, and led field sampling and prepared small mammal samples for analyses as part of an ecological risk assessment at the Waste Management Area C (WMAC) tank farm. The purpose of this investigation was to characterize small mammal communities surrounding the tank farm and ascertain risk to small mammals from contaminants of potential ecological concern (COPECs) originating from Hanford Site tank farm operations.

We collected and processed samples of deer mice, western harvest mice, and Great Basin pocket mice. Information gathered from characterizing small mammal populations and analyzing tissue samples helped DOE substantiate current exposure models and aid in developing and implementing corrective measures to ensure long-term protection of the environment.