The U.S. Department of Energy has issued the final environmental assessment and Finding of No Significant Impact on the establishment of a National Security Test Range at the Idaho National Laboratory.

The test range will be used for tests that include detonation of explosives, to evaluate explosive protection and countermeasures including armor, security devices and barriers. It also will be used to evaluate ways to protect people and facilities from threats such as rocket propelled grenades, improvised explosive devices and vehicle borne improvised explosive devices.

“Results from these tests will provide information to better protect people, and our nation’s buildings and infrastructure,” said Elizabeth Sellers, manager of the DOE’s Idaho Operations Office. “This will benefit national, state, tribal and local governments, and the private sector.”

A public comment period on the draft environmental assessment concluded on January 12, 2007. The environmental assessment is available on the DOE-Idaho web site: http://www.id.doe.gov/insideNEID/PDF/EA_Final_4-12-07.pdf. Access to this link is found on the DOE web site under the heading “Laboratory Programs.” Hard copies of the document are also available by contacting Don Michaelson at 1955 Fremont Ave., mailstop 1170, Idaho Falls, Idaho, 83415, or by email at Michaeds@id.doe.gov.

Media contact(s):
Tim Jackson, (208) 526-8484