Extensive environmental data collection was conducted at many locations on site. This will assist in the design and evaluation of both the radiological and non-radiological aspects of the site closure process. Information and results will then be integrated into ongoing data collection and analysis efforts.

The environmental characterization program of the site closure project focuses on non-radiological aspects of the process. This effort will conform to guidelines published by the Massachusetts Department of Environmental Protection and the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency. The program will be coordinated with parallel efforts that are underway to terminate Yankee Rowe's Nuclear Regulatory Commission license through the License Termination Plan process.

As part of site closure, a comprehensive site characterization program was initiated in July 2003. This characterization program included the collection of soil, groundwater, sediment, and surface water samples. When sampling was completed, Yankee produced a Site Characterization Report in June 2004 that documents the results. The report will examines both the quality and relevance of data that was collected in the past, and the results of the recently completed data collection efforts.

This site characterization program resulted in five other significant reports including:

1. Hydrogeologic Report of 2003 Supplemental Investigation
   -March 2004
   This report describes the results from the second round of quarterly sampling that occurred between October and December 2003 and presents a comprehensive hydrogeology assessment.
2. Baseline Environmental Report
   -April 2004
   This report provides an overview of the site’s physical characteristics and of site environmental conditions based on past and ongoing investigation efforts
3. Report of Continuing Hydrogeologic Investigations
   -May 2005
   The results of Yankee’s continued ground water investigations conducted in 2004 are discussed in this report.
4. Beneficial Use Determination
   –July 2005
   The BUD specifies the procedures that determine what materials from demolition of the site’s industrial structures and equipment may be eligible for reuse. In addition, it establishes which subsurface structures may remain in place, and the characterization procedures for guiding off-site disposal of demolition material. The BUD was amended in September 2005.
5. ASTM Phase I Environmental Site Assessment
   -February 2006
   The purpose of this environmental assessment is to provide an independent, professional opinion regarding recognized environmental conditions, if any, associated with the non-industrial portion of the Yankee Rowe property

At the request of the Department of Environmental Protection (DEP), the ongoing site characterization activities were combined with Massachusetts Contingency Plan (MCP) practices during 2005 into an integrated Phase II Equivalent Site Assessment. Results of this Assessment were reported in the initial Phase II Equivalent Report, which was approved by the DEP as partially fulfilling DEP requirements for site characterization. DEP’s review of the Report directed Yankee Atomic to verify that the level of cleanup is acceptably protective by completing a quantitative risk assessment. Results will be documented in a final Phase II Equivalent Report upon completion of site remediation, decommissioning and additional characterization activities. This report is to be submitted September 2006.